For Immediate Release:
January 31, 2020
LHSC assessed a now confirmed case of novel coronavirus
LONDON, Ontario – London Health Sciences Centre has been actively monitoring for novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and has assessed a newly confirmed case of the virus. A female in her 20s, arrived asymptomatic in Toronto on January 23 and was transported to London by way of a private vehicle. On January 24 the individual started to exhibit symptoms and that same day was assessed and tested at University Hospital, and released with follow up by the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
This individual has had limited exposure to other individuals and has otherwise been in isolation since January 24 with regular contact by the Middlesex-London Health Unit to monitor her condition. She is now recovered and is well.
“LHSC’s Emergency Department team took the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of other patients, visitors, staff and physicians,” says Dr. Michael Payne, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, LHSC. “Our highly skilled medical staff were ready for the presentation of coronavirus and demonstrated the effectiveness of our precautions, practices, and protocols.”
At this time, droplet and contact precautions with enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) are advised when a patient is screened appropriately and requires further investigation. The PPE required include a fitted N95 mask, full face shield, gloves and a gown.
“I want to assure our community that LHSC is safe for patients and visitors. Our hospitals remain open, and clinics and procedures will continue to operate as per normal,” says Dr. Paul Woods, President and CEO, LHSC. “I want to thank our staff and physicians for their commitment to excellent patient care.”
Dr. Michael Payne is available from 3:00– 5:00 pm for media interviews.
About London Health Sciences Centre
London Health Sciences Centre has been at the forefront of medicine in Canada for 145 years and offers the broadest range of specialized clinical services in Ontario. Building on the traditions of its founding hospitals to provide compassionate care in an academic teaching setting, London Health Sciences Centre is home to Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Victoria Hospital, the Kidney Care Centre, two family medical centres, and two research institutes – Children’s Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute. As a leader in medical discovery and health research, London Health Sciences Centre has a history of over 70 international and national firsts and attracts top clinicians and researchers from around the world. As a regional referral centre, London Health Sciences Centre cares for the most medically complex patients including critically injured adults and children in southwestern Ontario and beyond. The hospital’s nearly 15,000 staff, physicians, students and volunteers provide care for more than one million patient visits a year. For more information visit www.lhsc.on.ca
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For media inquiries contact:
Marek Kubow
Corporate Communications and Public Relations
London Health Sciences Centre
519-685-8500, ext. 75155
marek.kubow@lhsc.on.ca
After-hours assistance:
Call LHSC Switchboard at 519-685-8500 and ask to page the communicator on-call
Visit the LHSC Media web site at www.lhsc.on.ca/media-room
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