December 19, 2020

Blanche River Health has one employee who has tested positive with COVID-19 at the Kirkland Lake site. The employee is currently self-isolating at home and following Public Health protocols. The hospital continues to follow appropriate infection prevention and control practices. Hospital officials are working closely with the Timiskaming Health Unit as an investigation and contact tracing efforts are underway.
“The rise in COVID-19 cases locally and across our district over the past few weeks is very concerning. Our staff live in the communities we serve and are at an increased risk of contracting the virus and bringing it into the workplace”, stated President and CEO, Sean Conroy.

As a result of the increasing risk factors in our area, including the recent outbreak at Teck Pioneer Residence, the district will move to the “Yellow-Protect” level. The hospital will be implementing enhanced policies and protocols in accordance with its Pandemic Plan, which will include additional visitor restrictions.
“It’s important for our communities to know that our hospitals are always here to serve them and their health care needs. Our emergency department is always open and we continue to provide outpatient and surgical services”, said Chief of Staff, Dr. Mark Spiller.

President and CEO, Sean Conroy further adds, “We realize there are community concerns when COVID-19 directly affects our hospitals, but I want to reassure local residence that we have implemented many infection control protocols that are designed to provide for safe patient and visitor interactions with our health care team, while also aiming to protect our own staff and inpatients to the greatest extent possible”.

Blanche River Health would like to remind everyone to follow public health measures to help flatten the curve, we are currently experiencing in COVID-19 cases.
“I know COVID-19 is causing the holiday season to be very different this year, which is certainly difficult, but we need everyone to follow all recommendations and provincial orders to help limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Acting Medical Officer of Health and CEO for the Timiskaming Health Unit, Dr. Glenn Corneil.