(Updated as of October 2, 2025)
In consultation with the Region of Waterloo Public Health, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared in the Inpatient Mental Health Unit (Wing A, Level 3). A hospital outbreak is declared when two or more patients and/or staff test positive for an infectious illness that was acquired in hospital within a timeframe that is consistent with the epidemiology of the disease, and when there is a link between the cases.
At this time, the outbreak is limited to two patients (n=2).
Staff working in the outbreak unit are required to report any new onset of infectious symptoms to Health, Safety and Wellness.
These precautions have been added to enhance safety:
- Staff are to don appropriate PPE when caring for patients and be vigilant with hand hygiene.
- Staff are dedicated to the unit as much as possible.
- Masks to be used by staff at all times while on the unit; face shields, gloves and gown to be worn within two meters of droplet/contact isolated patients.
- Only symptomatic patients will be placed in droplet/contact precautions.
- All patients are taking meals in their rooms and are required to wear masks to participate in programming on the unit.
- Enhanced surveillance by swabbing and testing all patients in a one-time point prevalence.
- Enhanced cleaning, especially to high touch areas.
- Visitors who are here to visit a symptomatic patient must wear appropriate PPE though masking is highly recommended for all visitors.
Signage has been posted at entrances.
The outbreak may be declared over on October 6 if no new cases arise.
The safety and wellbeing of our staff, providers and patients is our top priority. You are encouraged to continue wearing PPE and practice hand hygiene for the safety of all. If you have questions or concerns, please email patientrelations@cmh.org or call Switchboard at 519-621-2333.