March 1, 2010 - Officials at the Health Unit and St. Joseph's Care Group have declared an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on the inpatient unit of 5 South of St. Joseph’s Hospital site located at 35 Algoma Street North.

All admissions, transfers and discharges will be decided on a case by case basis. All social activities on the inpatient unit of 5 South are cancelled. Visitor restrictions are also in place. Relatives and friends are encouraged to call for further information at 343-2431.

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 including, 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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