Horizon declares multiple COVID-19 outbreaks at The Moncton Hospital November 24, 2021 MONCTON – Horizon Health Network (Horizon) has declared multiple COVID-19 outbreaks at The Moncton Hospital (TMH) after evidence of transmission in four inpatient units within the last several days. COVID-19 outbreaks have been declared on the following units (more information below): As of Wednesday, Nov. 24: Family medicine and palliative care unit (Unit 3600).As of Tuesday, Nov. 23: Rehabilitation unit (Unit 4400) and family practice and geriatric unit (Unit 5100).As of Monday, Nov. 22: Stroke and family medicine unit (Unit 4600). “Our staff and physicians have acted swiftly to care for patients with COVID-19, and to identify and isolate patients who may have been exposed,” said Dr. John Dornan, Horizon’s interim President and CEO. “We are working diligently and with heightened precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 in this facility.” TMH has 16 inpatient units and currently one-fourth (1/4) of the hospital’s units are affected with COVID-19 outbreaks. As well, TMH has 21 COVID-19 patients on its COVID-19 inpatient unit, and three COVID-19 patients in its Intensive Care Unit (ICU). TMH is a trauma and tertiary care facility and will continue to provide essential services and safe and quality care to patients. This means surgeries, labour and birth services, ambulatory care and professional services will continue; the public will be notified of any temporary service closures or interruptions. We are asking the public to visit the TMH Emergency Department only if they have a medical emergency. Details on outbreaks and our response Today, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared on the family medicine and palliative care unit (Unit 3600) at TMH. This outbreak is limited to one unit, which is now on lockdown and following outbreak protocols. This outbreak is separate from the outbreaks declared at TMH earlier this week on the rehabilitation unit (Unit 4400), the family practice and geriatric unit (Unit 5100) and stroke and family medicine unit (Unit 4600). These three outbreaks are linked. As of today at 3 p.m., 20 patients and 4 staff have tested positive for COVID-19 in connection with the four outbreak units. On all affected outbreak units, Horizon has proactively implemented the following measures: Upon declaring the outbreak, Horizon implemented comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) precautions, such as enhanced cleaning as well as contact tracing to protect the health of patients and staff.Inpatients are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms twice a day (every 12 hours).Enhanced screening of hospital staff and physicians will be implemented.Patient testing on outbreak units will continue this week, and staff testing remains ongoing. We expect over the next week more cases will be identified. As a precaution, patients and staff of an additional family medicine unit (5200) are being tested today.Staff and patient movement in the affected units has been modified to minimize exposure to others.Designated Support Persons (DSPs) have been temporarily suspended on outbreak units with the exception of Palliative Care patients who meet a certain rating. Only Essential DSPs (those involved in feeding or bathing patients etc.) are permitted on all other units.Horizon has notified all patients and loved ones on the affected units about the outbreak, and staff are working diligently to provide care and comfort to our patients during this outbreak.Horizon is also working with Public Health and affected units to identify anyone who may have been exposed and is taking steps to protect the health of all staff, patients and families. It is critically important for New Brunswickers to get tested for COVID-19 when they experience any symptoms, even mild ones. If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, complete the self-assessment by visiting gnb.ca/coronavirus or calling Tele-Care 811. – 30 – For more information contact: Kris McDavidMedia RelationsHorizon Health Network1-877-499-1899Media@HorizonNB.cawww.HorizonNB.ca