Outbreak Information

Last Updated: 2023-03-17

Sinai Health’s priority continues to be the safety of our patients and our people. We remain vigilant in actively evaluating our practices and implementing additional measures as necessary to respond to outbreaks of respiratory infection, including COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

Current Outbreak Status

Mount Sinai Hospital

An outbreak has been declared at Mount Sinai Hospital on the following unit. Confirmed patient cases are being monitored. Mount Sinai remains open and clinics and procedures will continue as usual.

  • COVID-19 – 10 North inpatient unit as of March 17, 2023

Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital

There are no current outbreaks at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital.

Learn more about how we are keeping our patients and people safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions About Outbreaks

What is an outbreak?

A COVID-19 outbreak is defined by the province of Ontario as at least two cases within a 14-day period where both could reasonably have been acquired in the hospital.

Who declares an outbreak?

It is a joint decision made by Sinai Health – with our Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team – and Toronto Public Health. IPAC works collaboratively with Occupational Health to obtain essential information to understand if there is an outbreak.

What additional measures are put in place when there is an outbreak?

When an outbreak is declared on a unit, additional measures are put into place. These include:

  • Closing the unit to any new admissions
  • Enhancing cleaning on the unit
  • Putting all patients on the unit on Droplet/Contact Precautions
  • Proactively testing other patients on the unit for COVID-19 and monitoring for symptoms
  • Identifying any individuals who may have been at risk of exposure to inform them of the outbreak and provide support as needed
  • Limiting team members who normally work on multiple units to work on one unit only

Is it safe for me to visit a patient in the hospital?

Our hospital is safe for our patients and visitors. We have taken measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients and those providing care to them during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

  • Limiting essential visitor access and the number of people in the hospital
  • Screening for symptoms at entrances
  • Wearing masks and appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Visitors and essential care partners should not take off their mask to eat or drink when in the hospital. Instead, they should eat or drink before or after visiting
  • Putting physical distancing measures in place