SMH Confirms Additional Positive COVID-19 Cases
SMH has completed 81 swab tests for COVID-19 to date, and of the 81, six have been confirmed positive.
Information has been shared previously about the first two patient cases.
The third case is a patient from Adjala-Tosorontio who came to the Emergency Department (ED) on Friday, March 20. The patient remained isolated in the ED until they were transferred to another regional health care facility in the early hours of Saturday, March 21.
The fourth case is a patient from Mono who was admitted on Sunday, March 22 and discharged on Tuesday, March 24. Upon discharge the patient was instructed to self-isolate at home.
The fifth case is a patient from Essa who came to the ED on Wednesday, March 18. The patient did have travel history and was sent home to self-isolate.
The sixth case is a patient from New Tecumseth who came to the ED on Monday, March 23. The patient was instructed to self-isolate at home.
As the pandemic is a vastly evolving situation, SMH will not be reporting on each case going forward. For updates on COVID-19 cases in Simcoe County, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s website: www.smdhu.org or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/simcoe.muskoka.
“As Dr. Gardner, Medical Officer of Health for the local health unit has stated, there is indication of community spread in our region,” says Jody Levac, President and CEO, SMH. “We really need to ensure we are following their guidelines regarding physical distancing, handwashing and staying home as much as possible – now more than ever.”
SMH has opened a COVID-19 Assessment Centre which screen patients who have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. SMH asks the public to contact their family doctor and Telehealth first, as well as use the Ministry of Health’s self-assessment tool to help determine if they need to come to the Assessment Centre.
The COVID-19 Assessment Centre at SMH is currently running Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4-8 p.m. in their lower parking lot. Only individuals who meet screening criteria and upon a physician’s assessment will be tested.
“Our Hospital is here to serve those who are very sick,” says Levac. “For the safety of our staff, patients and visitors at this time, we are advising the public to please only come to our Emergency Department if it is urgent, especially those who are vulnerable.”
