COVID Outbreaks On 2 Units At Saint John Regional

COVID-19 outbreaks have been declared on two units at the Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH), according to health officials.

Horizon Health said a patient on the orthopaedic surgery unit (3CS) and one on the internal medicine unit (4CN) tested positive.

In a news release late Friday, the health authority said patients and staff in the affected units are being tested and no further cases have been identified to date.

“Horizon has implemented comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) precautions, such as enhanced cleaning as well as contact tracing to protect the health of patients and staff,” said the release.

There are no patient admissions or transfers to and from the units until further notice, and the Designated Support Person program has been temporarily suspended.

Horizon said surgeries, labour and birth services, ambulatory care and professional services appointments will continue, adding that the public will be notified of any temporary service closures or interruptions.

“We are asking the public to visit the SJRH Emergency Department only if they have a medical emergency,” said the release.

The Saint John Regional Hospital is not the only Horizon hospital dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks.

Separate outbreaks at The Moncton Hospital are affecting four of the hospital’s 16 units.