Thread. Multiple hospitals in GTA have confirmed #Covid-19 outbreaks in the past week, including @UHN TWH, Scarborough Grace, St. Joseph's, St.Michael's. Before panic sets in, let's define how an "outbreak" is defined and what it really means 1/

An outbreak can be defined by as little as TWO cases that are linked to a specific unit/location within a hospital setting. It does not mean there is widespread contagion spreading by the minute which is what is sometimes by a very "loaded" word 2/

Oubreaks reflect what is going on in our community. If there is high levels of circulating virus outside the hospital, it is inevitable that it will, at some point, make its way into the hospital. Important to recognize but not to panic 3/

Response to outbreaks are generally swift, comprehensive in nature and include:
- closure of affected units to further use
- deep cleaning protocols
- testing and contact tracing of patients, staff potentially exposed
Takes time but very effective 4/

What should YOU do about a hospital outbreak?
- Keep up with your masking, distancing, hand hygiene, avoiding unnecessary gathering to limit community spread
- Get your flu shot to keep the flu out of the hospital and keep our capacity intact 5/

Finally. Outbreaks trigger a level of vigilance to make the hospital even SAFER. If you need medical care, PLEASE:
- Come to the hospital or clinic when you need it
- Don't wait till you get too sick
- We WILL care for you + keep you safe! End 6/