January 8, 2009 - The gastrointestinal illness outbreak in the Geraldton District Hospital is now declared over. Visitation, admissions, transfers and discharges have now resumed at the John Owen Evans Residence, the long-term care facility located in the hospital.
However, to prevent further outbreaks, the Health Unit and facility management request that those who have been ill, or who are not feeling well, wait at least 48 hours after recovering from illness before visiting the facility.
Gastrointestinal outbreaks are still in effect at Thunder Bay’s Interim Long Term Care (James Street South), Pinewood Court (Walsh Street East), and the Older Adult Rehabilitation Program at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hosptial (North Algoma Street). Admissions, transfers, discharges, visitation and social activities have been cancelled in each of these three facilities. Relatives and friends of residents may call the nursing station for more information.
Due to this increase in gastrointestinal illness, 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. Individuals are contagious during the active part of the illness (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) as well as up to several days after symptoms are gone.
The Health Unit reminds you to prevent getting and spreading infections by:
- washing your hands frequently, for at least 15 seconds with soap and warm water, or by using a hand sanitizer; and
- staying at home if you are ill to avoid spreading infections to others.
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