An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at the St. Catharines Hospital after a healthcare worker tested positive.

Niagara Health today says the outbreak is in an inpatient unit and it has since been closed.

Officials say the Infection Prevention and Control team took 'immediate action' and protected staff, doctors, and patients.

Derek McNally, Niagara Health’s Executive Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive says they are working closely with Niagara Region Public Health and their Occupational Health and Safety team will monitor the situation closely and adjust measures as needed to respond to this outbreak.

Enhanced safety measures now in place include temporarily closing the unit in question to all admissions and transfers.

Niagara Health says it is following up with patients, staff and physicians who may have had direct contact with the healthcare worker as a precaution.

The total number of deaths of COVID-19 patients in Niagara Health's care sits at 18.

Over 200 cases have been reported in the region.

