COVID-19 outbreak declared at Guelph’s Homewood Health Centre

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Guelph’s Homewood Health Centre.

As of Wednesday afternoon, two staff members and one patient tested positive for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

The three cases at the mental health and addictions facility are linked and this is considered an outbreak in the Addiction Medicine Service Unit.

Public Health said they are working with Homewood, which has already initiated increased infection controls and are currently tracking close contacts related to the cases.

In an email sent to Global News, Homewood said all individuals with confirmed tests are self-isolating at home and they have taken a number of measures to limit the risk of exposure.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This includes mandatory screening at all entrances for staff, patients, volunteers and vendors, and spraying the facility with a disinfectant.

6:59 Managing anxiety during the spread of coronavirus

“This situation continues to evolve rapidly and we are working with Public Health and follow all of their required guidelines to continue to limit the risk and protect our patients and our staff,” said spokesperson Drew Burroughs.

Homewood has also eliminated therapeutic leaves and visitors to the facility.

As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guelph.