Every day at noon for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, a group led by Mayor George Pirie called the Timmins Health Table will issue an update.
Despite all the stringent precautions, the CEO of Timmins and District Hospital is not surprised that COVID-19 might have been contracted in his institution.
‘MANAGING RISK IS NOT ELIMINATING RISK’
Blaise MacNeil says the nature of work at the hospital is risk management — and managing is not eliminating.
“This is a very infectious disease and it’s proven difficult to control throughout the world,” he notes, “so even with the best of precautions, you cannot eliminate risk.”
A complicated investigation is underway to see if three patients and two staff members actually did pick up the virus inside the hospital building.
Porcupine Health Unit medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton mentioned again today that the Timmins hospital isn’t the only one in Ontario under outbreak status.
HOSPITAL CEO ON PARTIAL LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS
In an Ottawa radio interview today, Premier Doug Ford was musing about a partial lift of COVID-19 restrictions in time for the Victoria Day weekend.
Timmins and District Hospital CEO Blaise MacNeil emphasizes that “loosening restrictions” does not mean completely re-opening the province. He says he would be very surprised if that happens.
“As a matter of fact, I’d be very concerned if that happened,” MacNeil comments. “I think the easing of restrictions will probably be incremental, thoughtful and influenced by science. At least that’s my hope, anyway.”
Premier Ford refused to say what would be lifted first, but did say he won’t be re-opening schools.
Here is raw audio of today’s session: