St. Clare’s is temporarily closing Unit 6 East—a surgical unit—to further reduce the risk of spread to other areas of the hospital after two more staffers have tested positive for COVID-19.

Some 1,500 people have been tested since Friday. 90 per cent of the tests have been reconciled and all but the two in 6E have come back negative, with approximately 175 tests outstanding.

A total of seven staff members and five patients have tested positive. Diamond says roughly 60 staff members work in the unit and are all off for the next two weeks. Some are self-isolating while others are on special, paid-leave.

He is confident the outbreak has been contained to 6E.

Clinical Chief of Infection Prevention and Control, Dr. Natalie Bridger says they still haven’t found one particular cause for the outbreak at St. Clare’s.

Diamond assures the public that St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital is a safe option for those who need care.