6 staff members at West Haldimand General Hospital test positive for COVID-19

West Haldimand General Hospital is no longer allowing visitors after six staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

The hospital says evidence suggests the first case was related to community transmission. It appears the following employees became infected through “staff-to-staff transmission.”

Officials say they have no reason to believe the virus had been passed from staff member to patient or patient to staff member.

“The safety of our patients and staff is paramount. We are following guidelines provided by Public Health, and Infection and Prevention Control Canada (IPAC). The hospital has rolled out strategies to limit visitors and the potential spread of infection,” says Tom Thomson, Interim President & CEO, West Haldimand General Hospital in a news release. “Evidence suggests this is a community-related transmission that was identified by the steps we are taking to screen staff for active symptoms. Our hospital remains safe. We are all wishing our colleagues a speedy recovery. We are grateful for the commitment of our frontline health care workers through this pandemic.”

The hospital screens staff for symptoms of COVID-19 every day upon entry. Anyone who has symptoms is asked to return home and self-isolate.

Two patients of the hospital were previously diagnosed with the virus. One of those patients died on March 26.