INFORMATION BULLETIN
KINGSTON, Ont. – Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) confirmed today that an employee who works in the Emergency Department has tested positive for COVID-19. So far, evidence indicates that this was not a work-acquired infection.
KHSC is now working to determine if there is any potential risk to patients and staff. Due to rigorous universal masking, physical distancing and infection control practices at KHSC, exposures to the positive staff member are likely low-risk in nature. The hospital remains a safe place to receive care.
The staff member is at home recovering in self-isolation. Our Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness and Infection Prevention and Control teams are conducting the appropriate contact tracing related to the positive case. We ask for patience as we work to complete this tracing as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
“We’re not surprised about this development given the rise of community prevalence of COVID-19 in the South East. Our staff are members of the community so it only makes sense to expect cases,” says Dr. Gerald Evans, medical director of infection prevention and control. “We will continue to monitor this situation closely and to respond swiftly as required.”
“We wish our staff member a safe, speedy recovery,” says Sandra Carlton, joint vice-president and chief human resources officer. “At KHSC, we’re proud of the strong teamwork that makes the safety of patients and staff our top priority at all times.”
Media Contact
Kristen Lipscombe
Strategic Communications Advisor
Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Cell: 613-583-1377
Office: 613-549-6666, ext. 6875
Email: @email
