A confirmed COVID-19 case has temporarily reduced operating room capacity at Timmins and District Hospital.
According to the hospital, it has been notified that a health-care worker tested positive.
"All potential staff, physician and patient exposures have been identified, contacted and are following the appropriate public health guidance," reads the hospital news release.
"Any potential exposures were isolated within the hospital immediately and are following enhanced surveillance measures and the risk to our patients, visitors, staff and physicians remains low."
The operating room capacity at the hospital is being reduced for 14 days.
"We will continue to provide urgent and emergent surgical treatment at the TADH. Any impacted patients will be contacted directly to reschedule procedures. TADH has policies and procedures in place for infectious disease management and remains vigilant in following these protocols. If you are sick or are impacted by other health issues that require medical care know that we are well prepared to care for you at the TADH," according to the hospital.
Two new COVID-19 cases were reported in Timmins this week. The last case was reported yesterday.
To date, there have been 106 cases of the virus in the Porcupine Health Unit region. Of those, 57 have been in Timmins.
Early in the pandemic, there was an outbreak of the virus at the hospital. This is the first case reported at the facility since the spring.
"Following Ministry guidelines, TADH continues to adapt our policies and processes to ensure the ongoing safety for all who attend our hospital. We continue to follow provincial guidelines for mandatory masking of patients, visitors, and all staff and physicians," reads the release.
"Additional PPE, such as gowns, gloves, and face shields are also worn as per provincial guidelines. Our hospital continues to implement additional precautionary measures including but not limited to enhanced surveillance throughout the hospital, active screening before entering the hospital for patients, visitors, staff and physicians and enhanced cleaning throughout the building."
The hospital runs the COVID-19 Assessment Centre. It is open for symptomatic people to be tested by appointment. It is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 705-267-0224.
