The Grey Bruce Health Unit today announced that a local couple who recently returned from a cruise have tested positive for COVID-19. One of the individuals works at the Owen Sound Hospital. This person is at home and feeling well. This individual does not provide patient care, and was not experiencing any symptoms while working at GBHS. The GBHS family is sending their best wishes to the couple for a full recovery.

Like hospitals across Ontario, GBHS is taking steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The following measures are in place:

· Visitors are asked not come to any of the six GBHS hospitals. Exceptions will be made for compassionate reasons, on a case-by-case basis (Women and Child Care Unit/Labor and Delivery, palliative care and Critical Care). Those individuals will be screened for illness and travel prior to entry.

· All GBHS staff and physicians coming into hospital will be screened. Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days will be asked to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms.

· At this time, we are reviewing all elective surgeries, and expect to post an update on our website on Monday, March 16.

· We are also reviewing all non-urgent outpatient clinics, and expect to have a full list of cancellations posted to our website on Monday.

· Volunteer Services have been suspended until further notice, and gift shops have been closed.

A portable COVID-19 Assessment Centre is being set up at the Owen Sound Hospital. The Assessment Centre will screen patients who are experiencing respiratory symptoms and have travelled, or have been in contact with a person with COVID-19. A plan of care will be developed, and may include self-isolation at home. The Centre is expected to open in the next few days and an announcement will be made when plans are finalized.

At this time, we are continuing to remind the public that symptoms of COVID-19 are mild for most individuals. Most individuals will not require testing, and will make a full recovery.

source: media release, GBHS