SickKids experiencing COVID-19 outbreak on inpatient unit

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 on an inpatient unit specializing in paediatric medicine and respirology (7C). Since May 16, two patients have tested positive for COVID-19 during their admission to the unit.

The threshold for declaring an outbreak of COVID-19 can be as low as one case in some settings. In collaboration with Toronto Public Health (TPH), we declared an outbreak today.

SickKids is actively investigating how the virus was transmitted and is working closely with TPH. Everyone who has potentially been exposed or is suspected to have been exposed has been notified.  Enhanced infection prevention and control measures, including testing other patients, caregivers and staff, are in place on unit 7C.

At this time we believe the risk to patients, families and staff is low. This outbreak is not related to the admissions of adult patients with COVID-19 within our ICU. The health and safety of our patients, families and staff is always our top priority.

Visit the COVID-19 Information Hub for the most up-to-date information about the COVID-19 situation at SickKids.