March 08, 2020
Coronavirus Information Update
A novel coronavirus, originating from Wuhan, China is being reported with confirmed cases around the world including China, the United States, Thailand, Japan and South Korea.
On January 25, the first presumptive case was reported in Toronto, and the patient was admitted to Sunnybrook Health Sciences.
What is Baycrest doing?
Baycrest’s infection prevention and control (IPAC) team is actively monitoring the coronavirus outbreak, working closely with public health agencies and the Ministry of Health to follow all appropriate guidelines to ensure the safety of our clients, families, volunteers, visitors and staff. In addition, we are:
- Starting to actively screen all inpatients upon admission.
- Updating screening signage at main reception, registration areas and inpatient hospital units.
- Initiating regular meetings of hospital clinical and operational leadership to review and act as the situation evolves.
If you are feeling sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:
- Avoid contact with others. Stay home, except for seeking medical care.
- If you are going to your doctor to seek medical care, be sure to call in advance to advise them so they can take the necessary precautions.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
What can travelers do to protect themselves and others?
- Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid travel while sick.
- If you feel sick while or following traveling seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Baycrest knows this situation will continue to evolve over the coming days and will keep working closely with healthcare agencies to ensure the safety of our residents, patients, clients, families, visitors, volunteers and staff.
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