Second baby tests positive for COVID at Canberra Hospital
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Another baby has been tied to a growing COVID-19 cluster at Centenary Hospital, the ACT health minister said.
coronavirus, rachel stephen-smith, baby test positive, canberra hospital cluster, coronavirus, canberra hospital nursery case
2021-10-07T14: 50: 00 + 11: 00
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Another baby in Canberra Hospital’s special care has tested positive for COVID-19, as studies continue to hunt for the source of the growing cluster.
The child first began to show symptoms of coronavirus Tuesday night.
Two caregivers who had visited the nursery were also confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the cluster’s total to five.
The outbreak has forced 28 health workers to quarantine as a result of the exposure.
Stephen-Smith said none of the babies were in critical condition, but one had been moved to a COVID ward.
She pointed out that further cases could come from the cluster, but was convinced that the team for infectious diseases would be able to prevent a major outbreak.
“I also have great confidence in the Canberra Health Services Infectious Diseases team and the prevention and control measures that are in place,” she said.
“We have seen from previous exposures and potential exposures across our hospitals a very low in-hospital disclosure.
“I hope that continues to be the case in this cluster as well.”
Stephen-Smith said the growing cluster should not deter anyone from going to the big hospital if they were to require medical attention.
“I would like to reassure Canberrans that this situation is handled professionally and that people can feel safe coming to the hospital if they need hospital treatment,” she said.
“Our healthcare services have strong measures in place to protect everyone, including the use of personal protective equipment, restrictions on visitors and screening for anyone entering a healthcare facility.”
Stephen-Smith previously marked “one, if not two” additional cases that would be announced on Thursday.
Investigations into the source of the first positive case are still ongoing.
“We know that parents have to come every day to potentially feed or provide the close care of the babies,” he said.
“And so at this point we do not have a known source of transmission.”
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ACT Health Secretary Rachel Stephen-Smith. Photo: Karleen Minney.