2 health-care workers at Hamilton’s Juravinski Cancer Centre test positive for COVID-19

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) says they’re investigating a “cluster” of workers who came in contact with two other workers at Juravinski Cancer Centre who have tested positive for COVID-19.

In a release on Tuesday night, an official with HHS says the two infected individuals — who tested positive on April 24 and 27 — worked in the same unit and came in contact with a number of co-workers who may have been exposed to the coronavirus.

“Two health-care workers from the same department have tested positive. Other health-care workers who meet exposure criteria are being notified. And no patients are affected,” spokesperson Lillian Badzioch told Global News.

Badzioch says the two workers left work immediately and notified the hospital’s health services of their symptoms.

HHS says the two were following the agency’s policy of wearing universal masking, which went into effect at all sites on Friday, April 24.

Badzioch says the work area has since been disinfected and steps are being taken to resume cancer treatments for patients.

Hamilton public health reported 12 more cases of COVID-19 for a total of 421 cases on Tuesday.

There are now 19 deaths connected to COVID-19 in Hamilton.

2:06 Coronavirus outbreak: Ontario reports 525 new COVID-19 cases, 59 additional deaths

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.