Châteauguay, March 20, 2020 – The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de la Montérégie-Ouest has confirmed that a doctor from Hôpital Anna-Laberge tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a trip. The Direction de santé publique investigated and issued a clear conclusion: There is no health and safety risk to our employees or to the users who had contact with the doctor, whether direct or indirect.
The doctor returned to Canada before March 12, worked for only one day after being back, and had no symptoms. Despite this, the doctor applied the full range of hygiene practices and preventive measures: mask, hand washing, etc. The doctor began showing symptoms four days later, at which point the positive diagnosis was confirmed. The doctor is currently in isolation.
Following its investigation, the Direction de santé publique does not recommend any specific action, having found that all protective measures were taken and that there is no risk to the employees or the patients.
The director of public health for the Montérégie region, Dr. Julie Loslier, wants to reassure all employees and patients: “The investigation showed that the healthcare professional in question did not work at or frequent the healthcare institution during the contagious period. Therefore, no action is required on the part of the staff.”
“Rest assured that we are taking the situation very seriously, and that we are taking all necessary preventive measures to ensure the safety of both our personnel and our users. In this case, and in all others to come, I want to stress that we are following the recommendations of the Direction de santé publique to the letter,” stated Mr. Yves Masse, President and CEO of the CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest.
A few reminders
Remember that the symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever, or breathing difficulties, and that anyone who has symptoms or wants general information about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can call 1-877-644-4545 or visit quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/.
Here are a few tips for relieving the stress and anxiety related to COVID-19 (French only): https://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/msss/fichiers/2019/19-210-14W.pdf.