A Dublin hospital has confirmed an outbreak of Covid-19 which has resulted in 22 patients testing positive for the virus.
St Columcille’s Hospital in Loughlinstown confirmed an outbreak occurred after a patient who was asymptomatic tested positive for Covid-19.
A spokesperson for the Ireland East Hospital Group said in a statement : “I can confirm that St Columcille’s Hospital currently have 22 patients with Covid-19 which stemmed from an outbreak within the hospital.
“A patient who was asymptomatic on a ward in the hospital developed symptoms and was subsequently tested for Covid-19.
“The surveillance process was immediately implemented by the Infection Control and Microbiology teams and all patients and staff deemed as close contacts were subsequently tested.”
The spokesperson said the Hospital Covid Outbreak Committee which is led by the Consultant Microbiologist, the hospitals Infection Prevention and Control Team, HSE Occupational Health and HSE Public Health department, have met on a daily basis since the outbreak and have made progress to try and “stabilise the situation."
They also said despite the outbreak, the medical assessment unit and injury unit, scheduled care services & out patients services still remain open and unaffected.
Compassionate grounds
The spokesperson said visiting to hospitals is not permitted, except for compassionate grounds, and they are also asking people not to attend a hospital or any health care facility if they have any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 infection.
The statement concluded by saying “The hospital would like to acknowledge the work and support of all staff at this time."
The outbreak comes as the HSE has taken over the running of a nursing home in Co Kerry after an outbreak of Covid-19 left the centre in "chaos".
The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) sought a court order for the HSE to take over the management of Oaklands Nursing Home in Listowel yesterday evening after findings that prompted serious concern.
An outbreak of the virus lead to 19 residents and staff testing positive earlier this month.
