COVID outbreak declared at Burlington’s Joseph Brant Hospital

Joseph Brant Hospital is in outbreak for the second time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three health care workers and one patient have tested positive for the virus on 7 South 100 (7S100), resulting in Halton public health declaring an outbreak, reported the Burlington hospital Thursday.

Joseph Brant Hospital's Infection Prevention and Control team and Employee Health Services are working closely with Halton Public Health to monitor all patients, staff and physicians who had direct contact with those infected with COVID-19," the hospital said in a statement. All patients on the units, along with staff and physicians who have been exposed, are being contacted and tested. The affected health care workers are currently in isolation at home, and will not return to work until they have completed the self-isolation period and are asymptomatic."

Visitors are no longer allowed on 7S100 except for limited exceptions at the hospital located at 1245 Lakeshore Rd.

Additional measures being taken include enhanced daily deep cleaning on the unit, monitoring patients for signs of COVID and testing those with symptoms

These enhanced protocols will remain in place for the duration of the declared outbreak, then reassessed on an ongoing basis with Halton Public Health to minimize further risks in the hospital and throughout our community," the hospital said in the statement.

One patient died in the first outbreak at Joseph Brant on 3N700 and 6 North which was declared April 11 and saw four residents and two staff become infected for a total of six cases.

Joanna Frketich is a Hamilton-based reporter covering health for The Spectator. Reach her via email: jfrketich@thespec.com