Grand River Hospital 5South outbreak has ended

Waterloo Regional Health Network, in consultation with Region of Waterloo Public Health, has declared the COVID-19 outbreak on 5South (clinical teaching unit) over. The hospital continues to monitor the outbreak on 5North.

In outbreak situations, the hospital immediately implements the following enhanced protocols:

• Increased surveillance to identify potential cases and follow-up investigations;
• More frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces;
• Cohorting staff as much as possible;
• Education of patients and families about COVID-19 hospital protocols;
• Continually reviewing our practices and implementing new measures as required, as part of our ongoing risk assessments;
• Temporarily closing admissions to the unit;
• Temporarily suspending in person care partner visits to the unit and working to enhance virtual and phone connections for our patients and families.