Another week of no new cases linked to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre.
Interim Director of Acute Care for the Yorkton area, Janna-Lea Yawney says they’re hopeful the 1st East and West inpatient medical units will be taken off the declared outbreak list by March 10.
She says the fact there is no new cases can be attributed to the measures they have in place.
“We have enhanced screening in the hospital, we have also the requirement for all staff and visitors to wear masks throughout the facility, perform hand hygiene upon entering and go through a series of screening questions,” Yawney explained.
However, the decision to officially declare the outbreak over would rest on the shoulders of the SHA medical health officer for Yorkton, Dr. Ashok Chhetri.
The outbreak in the units was first declared on January 19.
The total number of cases connected to the outbreak remains at 99.
Of those cases, 14 are patients, 45 secondary cases, 34 healthcare staff, 6 visitors and one death.
Approval of Vaccines “Exciting”
Yawney called news of Health Canada approving the AstraZeneca vaccine on Friday, and now today (Fri) the Johnson and Johnson, vaccine “definitely exciting.”
Yawney says these vaccines provide another layer of protection against COVID-19.
“I know that the vast majority of healthcare providers are certainly excited and ready to rollup their sleeves and if the public gets on board with that, we’ll have another added layer of protection and hopefully be able to continue to work towards resuming normal.” she said.
The AstraZeneca vaccines are expected to arrive in Saskatchewan next week, and Yorkton is among the communities to receive a portion of the initial 15,500 doses.
Other communities include Regina, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw.
People aged 60-64 will be able to book an appointment for the vaccine the week of March 15, with the doses to be administered March 22nd.
Details on the phone-in booking system will be released at the end of next week.