Edmonton hospital declares full virus outbreak

EDMONTON — A hospital in Edmonton is no longer admitting patients due to a full outbreak of COVID-19, including three deaths.

The outbreak at Misericordia Community Hospital was declared earlier by Alberta’s chief medical health officer and restrictions have tightened as case numbers increased.

Alberta Health Services said Wednesday that 20 patients and 15 staff have tested positive.

Three patients have died from the infection.

“I know the public will think that this is difficult news and I want to assure everybody that we’re taking this aggressive step to stop the transmission,” Dr. David Zygun, medical director with AHS Edmonton Zone, told a news conference on Wednesday.

“This is an exceptional situation is what has been an excellent safety record in managing outbreaks.”

Zygun said it was necessary to declare a full outbreak to protect remaining patients and staff.

The hospital, which is run by Catholic health provider Covenant Health, is not allowing visitors except in end-of-life situations and is postponing day procedures.

The emergency department is also closed.

Alberta Health Services said people who were to come in for health services are being contacted and will be cared for at another city hospital.

Current patients who have tested positive are being treated at two units in the Misericordia.

Zygun said the hospital has enough supplies and staff to deal with the outbreak and continues to treat patients who are there.

He said officials have reinforced with all workers and physicians that it’s important to make sure each day that they are fit for work, use appropriate personal protective equipment, wear masks and wash their hands.

On Monday, the province announced 46 new infections across Alberta, for a total of 8,482 cases. So far, 7,716 people have recovered and 158 have died.