Two active COVID-19 outbreaks at Brampton Civic Hospital

Brampton Civic Hospital has declared outbreaks of COVID-19 in two different units over the last week and a half.

According to the William Osler Health System’s website, the health system and Peel Public Health have declared outbreaks of the virus in both the Oncology Unit and the Stroke Unit of Brampton Civic Hospital.

Osler, which oversees operations at Brampton Civic, the Peel Memorial Centre and Etobicoke General Hospital, says the Oncology Unit outbreak was declared on Wednesday (July 27), and the Stroke Unit outbreak was declared on July 20.

Both units will remain open to new admissions in collaboration with Osler’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) department, Osler said.

Osler also has outbreaks at its Withdrawal Management Centre in Brampton, and both a Surgery and a Cardiology unit at Etobicoke General Hospital.

“The health and safety of Osler’s patients, staff, physicians, volunteers and the community is a top priority,” reads a statement on the health system’s website posted on Wednesday. “As Osler continues to see community spread of COVID-19, the hospital is prepared,” adding that the health system “is actively working to respond to additional cases.”

Osler says COVID-19 outbreaks are declared based on guidance set out by the province, when two or more individuals who test positive for acute respiratory illness with any common link, and at least one of which is a laboratory confirmed COVID-19 case.

Back in December, the Respirology unit of Brampton Civic was also placed on precautions due to COVID-19, and earlier this year, all non-urgent surgeries and procedures at Brampton Civic Hospital were temporarily put on hold due to the province changing pandemic restrictions, and staff shortages.