COVID-19 case numbers confirmed at Neepawa Health Centre

Details

Published on Tuesday, November 9, 2021

By Eoin Devereux

Update: Nov. 10 - 1:54 pm

The Province has release an update on the information related to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Neepawa Health Centre. Those numbers differ slightly from the what was reported by Prairie Mountain Health on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

According to the Province, there are 16 total cases at the Neepawa Health Centre; 10 non-staff and 6 staff. 

Original story: Nov. 9 - 10:40 am

New details have emerged today related to the COVID-19 outbreak that has been declared at Neepawa Health Centre in Neepawa. The initial announcement was made in the Province’s COVID-19 media bulletin on Monday, Nov. 8 and has seen the facility moved to the critical or red level on the Pandemic Response System. The Banner & Press now has new information on the situation.

Prairie Mountain Health confirmed to the Banner & Press on Tuesday, Nov. 9 that there are 13 patients and two staff members who have tested positive at Neepawa Health Centre. All staff have been asked to closely monitor for symptoms and to stay home if ill. As for the positive patients, they have all been moved to an isolated wing. 

Due to the confirmed cases within the Health Centre, as of Saturday, Nov. 6, it has been closed to all visitors and non-emergency cases. Emergency care cases, however, will still be accepted, as the hospital does have protocols in place to assist and protect non-COVID-19 patients. The Health Centre will also see a temporary pause in non-emergent surgeries and maternity care. The reason this has been done is to assure there is available space and staff in place to treat COVID-19 patients and minimize any potential spread of the virus.

The discovery timeline

The timeline for the discovery of and subsequent isolation of the outbreak at the Health Centre appears to have begun over the weekend. Individuals close to the scene indicated that the proper security protocols for staff and patients in this type of situation went into effect on Saturday afternoon.

Brian Schoonbaert, the CEO for Prairie Mountain Health, told the Banner & Press, via email, that all families of patients have been notified of the outbreak. He added that precautions for the Country Meadows Personal Care Home have also been instituted.

"[Prairie Mountain Health] advises that due to the COVID outbreak within the Neepawa hospital, and the potential of COVID activity at Country Meadows Personal Care Home, the PCH is not allowing general visitation at this time," stated Schoonbaert. "Only designated family caregivers are being permitted. As well, precautionary measures are being taken, including cancelling congregate meals and group activities at the PCH. Monitoring and assessment of PCH residents continues."

Schoonbaert added that the Emergency Department remains operational for assessment and treatment, though there may be situations where some patients are diverted to other regional sites for care.

As for any type of timeline as to how long the facility to remain in the critical stage, that is unknown.