A coronavirus outbreak has been declared at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay after a patient on the continuing care program inpatient unit tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital reports.

On Saturday afternoon, the hospital stated an individual was hospitalized for an unrelated health reason but began to experience a “sudden onset of symptoms of respiratory illness.” The individual was subsequently tested and the result was positive for COVID-19. The dates of both the initial admission and the test result were not provided.

As a result, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the hospital which serves the City of Kawartha Lakes. An outbreak is classified as one or more cases of COVID-19.

The patient has been relocated to an isolation room in the hospital’s dedicated COVID-19 unit, the hospital said.

“Due to our increased surveillance measures, our team was able to swiftly identify this patient’s change in condition and complete testing,” stated Kelly Isfan, hospital president and CEO.

“The hospital will continue to do everything we can to protect our patients and team.”

The hospital has restricted access to the affected unit and increased surveillance and testing of all patients and staff on the unit and anyone else who may have been in close contact with the patient.

“The hospital is continuing to work closely with the health unit to ensure all precautions are put in place to protect the patients and staff of the hospital,” stated Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, the health unit’s medical officer of health.

Control measures remain in place include restricting visitors and non-essential workers, active screening at entrances and increased screening and surveillance of all patients, the hospital said.

On Saturday morning, the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit, reported 129 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in its jurisdiction with 109 in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Of the 109 cases, there have been 33 deaths – 29 associated with the outbreak Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon. On Friday, a 91-year-old resident who had tested positive was permitted outside for exercise – the first to leave the facility since the outbreak was declared on March 20.

There remains seven confirmed cases in Haliburton County (one hospitalized) and 13 in Northumberland County (one hospitalized) as part of the health unit’s jurisdiction.

Of note, the health unit’s data is 25 hours behind “real-time data.”

Ross Memorial Hospital and the health unit advise to complete the online self-assessment if you suspect you have COVID-19. If indicated by the results, contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or the health unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5020, to get advice on the next steps whether you should proceed to a COVID-19 assessment centre, self-isolate, or self-monitor.