SLMHC confirms no new positive COVID-19 cases among staff, physicians
Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer
The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) confirmed they found no new positives cases of COVID-19 after completing widespread testing of staff members and physicians at the facility.
The testing was completed after six SLMHC staff members tested positive for COVID-19 last month.
“After six staff from Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) tested positive for COVID-19 in mid-June, the organization completed widespread testing of staff and physicians in the facility. With surveillance testing complete, no further positives have been detected among staff or physicians. In addition, Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) and SLMHC completed contact tracing and can confirm that no contacts of the positive cases received positive test results,” a joint media release from the SLMHC, Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), and Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) informed on July 6.
“As of yesterday, all cases and contacts are out of isolation. It is great news that none of the positive cases resulted in further infections in the community,” said Dr. Ian Gemmill, Acting Medical Officer of Health from NWHU.
“We truly appreciate the response of our staff that got tested to ensure they kept SLMHC a safe place for patients and others,” said Heather Lee, SLMHC President and CEO.
Lee said staff members are continuing to follow best practices during their shifts, which includes strict hand hygiene protocols, wearing face masks, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Staff, patients, and visitors are continuing to be screened prior to entering the health centre.
The release said SLFNHA, SLMHC, and NWHU are working together to provide a unified response locally to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Moving forward, SLMHC, NWHU, and SLFNHA will continue working together to provide a unified local response to the pandemic. They remind the public that the best way to prevent COVID-19 is by practicing personal preventive measures like physical distancing, hand hygiene, and staying home when you are unwell,” the release shared.
“Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) and SLMHC are working together to make sure that all patients and clients of SLMHC are aware that it is safe and that all measures are in place to minimize the risks of COVID-19,” the release continued.
“SLMHC has responded very appropriately and promptly to the recent increase of viral activity. This underlines a continuing commitment by SLMHC to provide the safest possible care to our communities,” said Dr. John Guilfoyle, Public Health Physician from SLFNHA.
