A patient at the addictions treatment centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital has tested positive for COVID-19.
The individual is not a resident of Estevan or the southeast region. The patient had recently arrived at the addictions treatment centre and was asymptomatic for COVID.
Patients at the addictions centre are tested for COVID-19 after they arrive.
St. Joseph’s Hospital executive director Greg Hoffort said several steps have occurred since the positive test last Thursday.
The patient was isolated away from the other patients. The staff members who were in contact with the individual were placed at home on a 14-day quarantine, and some new COIVD protocols were put in place in consultation with the chief medical health office of the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
No further positive cases have occurred at the hospital.
Hoffort said all of the proper protocols have been followed. Some replacement employees have been brought in, and they’re using technology for virtual counselling with treatment centre patients during this two-week period until they get all of their staff and counsellors back.
“We’re pleased at this point, anyways, that it’s been contained, and we’ll go forward,” said Hoffort.
The treatment centre’s partners at Cedars at Cobble Hill brought in a new clinical leader to direct the facility during these two weeks. The staff members filling in have responded well.
“There certainly are some challenges being virtual lectures and virtual counselling, rather than in person, but we’re very appreciative of how it’s been handled by an amazing staff,” said Hoffort.
The patient who tested positive is isolating within the treatment centre. The addictions centre is open and full.
Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
