Under the guidance of Cypress Hills Health Region Medical Officer Dr. David Torr, an outbreak has been declared at the Swift Current Care Centre due to the presence of enteric illness signs and symptoms amongst the facility’s long term care residents.

Due to this declaration, please consider the following:

·        Until further notice, visitation to the facility will be restricted.  The only exceptions to these restrictions will be in the event of an ‘end of life’ situation, where the nurse in charge at the facility can be contacted to discuss the options that are available for the family members to visit their loved one.

·        Outbreak has been declared due to the presence of an unconfirmed enteric illness.  Samples are being forwarded to the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory in Regina for analysis and confirmation of the illness type.

·        Presently, there are 6 long term care residents within the facility who have been identified as meeting the signs and symptoms of this illness.

·        Enhanced cleaning and infection control protocols have been implemented within the facility in an attempt to remove the illness.   

·       Public Health and Infection Control Team members are actively involved and are providing guidance into the ongoing steps being taken to eradicate the illness. 

The health region is strongly emphasizing that everyone do what they can to prevent the spread of illness/sickness to others. 

Frequent and proper handwashing, staying home when ill, and enhanced cleaning of hard surfaces within your homes/businesses should always be the normal practice.