The physician who triggered a COVID-19 scare at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare has tested negative for virus.
Officials announced the doctor, his family, staff and eight patients who were in contact with the physician were being monitored and self-isolated from the hospital's 1453 Prince Rd. location Thursday. The doctor had shown symptoms consistent with the virus after returning from a recent cruise.
Vice President of External Affairs Bill Marra says self-isolation restrictions have been lifted for everyone involved.
"The physician also contacted his private practice patients as well ... absolutely everyone has been notified and everyone can resume their lives and any normal routines that they had before," says Marra.
He says the hospital is relieved, but incident has led to several restrictions at the facility moving forward.
"One visitor per patient must be registered upon entering the hospital, we have some flexibility with our palliative care program," he says. "We also will have all of the contact information for visitors in the event that there's some sort of spread of the virus, so we'll have the ability to notify them in a very timely fashion."
Marra says it's an unfortunate incident, but it tested the hospitals protocols and officials will apply what they've learned moving forward.
"We've crossed this hurdle and it's allowed us to accelerate our plans at our hospital with regards to the restrictions that we've introduced and our strategies. We're pleased with our planning to date," he added.
Here's a complete list of restriction at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare:
Some of the hospital's outpatient programs and services will be cancelled until further notice to ensure the safety and security of staff and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials will be contacting those affected by the cancellations, but a complete list of services can be found on the hospital's website.