Outbreak at Jo Brant Hospital spreads to second in-patient unit

A COVID-19 outbreak at Joseph Brant Hospital has spread to another in-patient unit.

In a Friday release, the Burlington hospital said an outbreak declared Nov. 18 in one in-patient unit - 7 South 100 - has spread to a second in-patient unit - 3 North 700.

Three people have tested positive in the new outbreak, including a health care worker and two patients.

In both outbreaks, there are a total of 10 cases - four in health care workers and six in patients.

Two patients have died.

In the release, the hospital said its staff are working closely with Halton public health to monitor all patients, staff and physicians who had direct contact with people who've tested positive for COVID.

The hospital has enhanced daily deep cleaning on both units and is monitoring patients for new symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Anyone with symptoms will be tested for COVID.

The two units are now closed to visitors, with very limited exceptions."

The Halton region recorded 101 new COVID cases Friday and 101 new cases Thursday. There are a total of 3,469 confirmed and probable cases in the region, with 81 per cent of cases considered resolved. More than 600 cases are active.

Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com