The Saskatchewan Health Authority is investigating contacts linked to an inpatient in the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital who has tested positive for COVID-19.
While there remains only one case at the facility and currently no evidence of transmission within the facility, Dr. Khami Chokani, Medical Health Officer, has declared an outbreak at the Victoria Hospital because of the duration of stay in the hospital of the COVID-19 positive patient without knowledge of the patient’s condition.
Staff who had been in close contact with the patient are self-isolating. Contact tracing and investigation is underway to ensure all contacts are identified.
The patient was initially admitted to the Victoria Hospital on April 21 for a non-COVID-19 related medical need. The patient initially tested negative before being transported to the Victoria Hospital.
All patients undergo a thorough verbal risk assessment screen upon admission. This patient screened negative. On Thursday April 29, it was determined that an additional test was required and the positive result was reported the same day.
Infection Prevention Control is immediately notified of all positive tests in SHA facilities and engaged to ensure all appropriate protocols are in place.
Service changes are being made to adapt to the decreased staffing levels given the number of staff now required to isolate. As a result one patient has been transferred from ICU to Saskatoon. Further service changes required will be communicated once known. At this time the Emergency Department remains open. Patients who require emergency care should continue to seek service as usual.
The health and safety of our patients and the employees who care for them is of utmost importance to the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Keeping the people we serve, our employees and physicians healthy and safe, is paramount to the work we do each and every day.
The public is reminded that during the COVID-19 outbreak, please take precautions to protect yourself, your families and everyone who lives in the community. COVID-19 is present in Saskatchewan and we all have a responsibility to minimize the spread of the disease.
Social distancing is physical distancing. It is something that everyone needs to be doing all the time, every time, to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
It is also important for everyone to follow the guidelines for hand washing, social distancing and self-isolating shared by provincial and municipal governments to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus and protect our most vulnerable populations. Together we can make a positive difference in our community by reducing the spread.
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