SAH Implements Screening at All Public Entrances

March 9, 2020 – To date, there are no COVID-19 positive cases in Algoma or Chippewa County (Sault MI). The risk remains low.  

In an effort to be proactive in keeping our hospital safe and preserving resources, Sault Area Hospital (SAH) will begin screening at all public entrances on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.  Screening will identify those who have signs and symptoms and have travelled to an area impacted by COVID-19 or have potentially been in contact with someone who has a confirmed or probable COVID-19 illness. 

After screening, patients or visitors might be asked to clean their hands and put on a mask. They may also be placed in a private or isolation room while infection prevention and control support is consulted, or in some cases, asked to self-isolate and contact Algoma Public Health at (705) 759-5404.

Active screening is necessary to ensure the hospital environment remains safe, to support the management of available resources, to support patient care, and to protect the well-being of patients, staff, and the community.

SAH has implemented a number of other measures to prevent the spread of infection, including pre-appointment telephone screening taking place in all Outpatient Clinics and heightened infection prevention and control screening and surveillance for staff, physicians, and volunteers.

Public entrance hours will be adjusted with the implementation of screening – East, South and West entrance hours 6:00 am – 9:00 pm, the Emergency Department (ED) entrance will remain open 24 hours per day.

Please do not visit patients if you are unwell (fever, cough, or difficulty breathing). Remember to use a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.   Visitors and patients, who are coming to SAH, are asked to clean their hands often with the solution provided throughout the facility.  

The hospital is working closely with Algoma Public Health to monitor the situation and updates will be provided to the community as necessary. We thank the public for their understanding and cooperation.

To find out more about SAH, visit: sah.on.ca 

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