Hamilton hospitals to screen for coronavirus as a precaution

Hamilton | Ontario | Latest News |

Published January 27, 2020 at 9:03 pm

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) said on Monday that they are screening for coronavirus at city hospitals.

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) said on Monday that they are screening for coronavirus at city hospitals.

While the risk to Canadians remains low at this point, HHS says they are opting to take precautions.

One hospitalized person in Toronto is confirmed to have the virus while a second person, the first patient’s wife, is presumed to have it and is awaiting test results in isolation. The couple did travel to Wuhan, China within the last couple of weeks.

Upwards of 21 other people who presumably came into contact with the couple are also being investigated.

HHS said they are proactively screening patients at all of their sites.

What does that mean for patients? Upon arrival at the hospital, patients will be asked:

  • About their symptoms, particularly respiratory symptoms.
  • Whether they have travelled to Wuhan, China.
  • If they have come in contact with someone who has or is suspected of having coronavirus.

If a patient is at risk of having the virus, they will be taken to a special isolation room until a diagnosis can be confirmed.

Hospitals will also stock up on protective gear to prevent the spread of infection to staff and doctors, and making infection prevention and control staff available 24/7 to provide round the clock advice.

These added measures may increase delays in some hospitals, HHS warns.

“We appreciate your patience and encourage you to visit needadoc.ca to determine the most appropriate place to seek care for your medical needs.”

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to much more serious diseases, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), or Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The new strain of coronavirus is called Novel Coronavirus-Wuhan (nCov).

The Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with the virus as low for Canada and for Canadian travellers.

The public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available.

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