Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care has reported its fourth positive COVID-19 case.
The Penetanguishene hospital received word earlier this week that an employee has tested positive.
“Since the start of the pandemic, we have had zero patient cases and this is our fourth staff case over nine months,” Waypoint noted on its website.
The latest case is unrelated to the recent staff case from Dec. 7 and the exposure was from outside of Waypoint.
The facility reports that the latest positive test involves an employee who was last onsite Dec. 7, passing screening and did not have any symptoms. This employee had no patient contact, very minimal movement while onsite and adhered to infection prevention and control measures, Waypoint said.
“As this exposure is low risk, there is no need to test staff or patients, or for anyone to be self-isolating. In consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Waypoint is not considered to be in outbreak at this time.”
As a follow-up to the previous positive COVID case reported last Monday, there have been no additional related positive staff and all patient tests have come back negative.
Provided there are no additional related cases, the four units (Forensic Assessment, Bayview and the two Beckwith program units) on which the employee in question worked will re-open Dec. 17 for patients to attend off-unit activities.
With rising case numbers and outbreaks in various hospitals, Waypoint returned to Phase 1 visiting protocols on Dec. 9.
“All in-person visits have been cancelled, with the exception of visits for vulnerable patients,” Waypoint noted. “Vulnerable patients are patients who have exceptional circumstances (e.g. palliative) and their visitors must be designated as an ‘Essential Visitor.’
“ All possible steps are being taken to promote and support virtual visits. Families are encouraged to book visits virtually during the holidays.”
