Numerous BGH staff exposed to COVID-19 patient

Hospitals are running busy these days, and for Belleville General Hospital, and Quinte Health Care, a major exposure could not have come at a worse time.

Quinte News was contacted Monday about a person who was  COVID positive.  They told us the patient come into contact with numerous staff members at BGH.

Hospital officials say mid-last week, a patient was admitted for a non-COVID ailment, but after being admitted developed symptoms and has now tested positive for COVID-19.

 She says the individual was asymptomatic.

Walker says the focus now is to find out which staff the person came into contact with.

As soon as someone is suspected of being COVID positive health care workers go into Droplet and Contact Precautions.  That means they wear masks, gloves, eye wear, and gowns.  The concern is there is already limited PPE (personal protective equipment) supplies for staff.

Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith says the province is working to streamline the procurement process for the health care sector, due to the strain COVID-19 has put on hospitals, and front line workers.

Walker says their goal is to protect patients, but also those working to help them.

Staff at all four QHC hospitals in any clinical areas,  will be required to wear surgical masks and have diligent hand hygiene.

Quinte Health Care says they are very thankful for all the PPE that has been donated to them, but they are in need of more.

Currently there are four inpatients that have tested positive for COVID-19

CLICK HERE for a link to the Quinte Health Care COVID-19 page.