February 4, 2009 - Officials at the Health Unit and Roseview Manor (99 Shuniah Street) have declared a facility-wide outbreak of respiratory illness.

Admissions, transfers and discharges have been cancelled until further notice. Visitor restrictions are in place, so relatives and friends are encouraged to call the facility for more information.

The Health Unit is urging people to stay at home and refrain from visiting hospitals and long-term care facilities when feeling unwell to avoid spreading infections to those most vulnerable: young infants and children, the elderly and those with other chronic illnesses.

The Health Unit reminds the public to prevent getting and spreading infections by:

• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue; if you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your upper sleeve.
• putting all used tissues in a waste basket right away.
• making sure all immunizations are up-to-date, including the annual flu shot. 
• washing your hands frequently, for at least 15 seconds with soap and warm water, or by using a hand sanitizer.
• staying at home if you are ill to avoid spreading infections to others.

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