February 1, 2010 - Officials at the Health Unit and St. Joseph’s Care Group35 Algoma Street North have declared an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness.  The outbreak is confined to the Hospice and Palliative Care Program (4 North) at St. Joseph’s Hospital, located at 35 Algoma Street North 35 Algoma Street North.

Admission requests and discharges will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  All transfers and non-essential activities have been cancelled until further notice.  Visitors are limited to immediate family members or caregivers of clients.  Please call the facility for further 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, children, the elderly and those with other chronic illnesses.

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

• washing hands often for at least 15 seconds with soap and warm water, or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the upper sleeve.
• staying at home when ill to avoid spreading infections to others.

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