Scarborough hospital declares COVID-19 outbreak, expects cases to rise

Oct 22 2020, 7:59 pm

Scarborough General Hospital has declared a COVID-19 outbreak after multiple patients in one unit have contracted the virus.

Toronto Public Health, in collaboration with Scarborough Health Network’s Infection Prevention and Control team, have determined that the hospital has met the “outbreak definition” of having two healthcare-associated cases of coronavirus within 14 days, said Leigh Duncan, Scarborough Health Network’s executive director of communications and public affairs.

The outbreak is in the hospital’s CP4 medicine unit. The unit has been closed to admission to protect patients and health care workers. Enhanced infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures are also in place.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely,” said Duncan. “As the outbreak evolves, we expect the number of cases will as well.”

Scarborough General Hospital joins the growing list of Toronto hospitals dealing with outbreaks of the virus. In the past month, Toronto Western Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthSt. Michael’s Hospital, and Toronto Rehab’s University Centre have all declared outbreaks in their facilities.

Ontario reported 841 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday morning, 335 of which are in Toronto.

Zoe DemarcoZoe Demarco

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