On August 3, the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) was notified that a symptomatic health care professional working out of the Northern Clinic in Sioux Lookout tested positive for Covid-19. This person was in Sioux Lookout for a period of two weeks for work and has since returned to their residence outside of the region. As with all health care professionals entering the region, this individual was required to self-monitored for two weeks prior to arrival.
nnThe Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is managing the case and has assessed the situation as being low risk. The individual had no contacts outside of work and wore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during all encounters with patients and staff while at the Northern Clinic. The NWHU has therefore determined that there were no high-risk exposures and, therefore, no contacts that require to be traced.
nnHowever, given the heightened concern in communities and the on-going vulnerability of our population, SLFNHA is acting out of an abundance of caution and has put a plan in place that is aggressive and thorough. This includes the following:
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- Any patients who were at the clinic from the period between July 20 u2013 July 31 who are experiencing any symptoms should present themselves for assessment as soon as possible. n
- Commencing tomorrow, Aug 4th, 2020, The Preventing Infectious Team from SLFNHA will contact all patients who were seen by this individual to recommend testing and self- monitoring. n
- A deep clean of the clinic will take place on Tuesday morning, August 4th, 2020. n
- Virtual appointments will continue to be done wherever possible. n
- All staff working at the clinic within the last two weeks will be offered testing and will be required to self-monitor. If they have symptoms they will be required to stay home and get assessed as soon as possible. n
- Protocols to protect patients are being reviewed and reinforced with all clinic staff More information will follow as the situation develops. n
