Eastern Health says rigorous protocols have been put in place at St. Clare’s Hospital following a recent outbreak involving what officials call “a small number of people.”

A staff member tested positive on February 9, prompting officials to immediately impose isolation protocols in Unit 6 East.

Positive patients have since been moved to the COVID ward at the Health Sciences while other patients in the unit have been moved to individual rooms.

The health authority believes the outbreak is contained, but testing was arranged for all staff and many patients on the weekend “out of an abundance of caution.”

Clinical Chief of Infection Prevention and Control with Eastern Health Dr. Natalie Bridger says they have shown great vigilance since they first became aware of potential exposure.

Since February 8 they’ve had a “rigorous” Occupational Health and Safety Protocol whereby every case and every potential contact has been reviewed.

Health care staff who attend to a positive case have to don full PPE including a face mask, face shield, gown, and gloves.