MGH campus transformation
MGH’s campus transformation continues with major renovation work. Patients and visitors can expect to experience noise, hallway closures and detours around the hospital. Learn more about our campus transformation.
Sarah Downey hosts '5 Questions' with Dr. Jeff Powis about wave two of the COVID-19 pandemic and this year's flu season
Sarah Downey, president and CEO of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), asks Dr. Jeff Powis, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Michael Garron Hospital five questions about wave two of COVID-19 and how to protect ourselves this flu season.
You have questions and Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) has answers.
In this community edition of “5 Questions with President and CEO Sarah Downey” video series, Sarah interviews, Dr. Jeff Powis, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, MGH, about the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and this year’s flu season.
Watch the video to find out the answers to the following 5 questions:
- Are we in wave two of COVID-19? (0:40) What is MGH putting into place to prepare? (1:02) Where are we in the wave and how long will it last? (2:01)
Key Points: We are currently in wave two of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an Ontario Health Team (OHT) we are implementing the following to combat wave two:
- Setting up community testing in high priority neighbourhoods
- Conducting case management to try to mitigate and reduce spread
- Reviewing internal hospital resources to ensure MGH has enough flexibility to meet needs during wave two.
COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise. Based on experiences in other countries, cases will continue to increase until something is done from a broad public health perspective.
- What are we anticipating with the flu season this year and why is it important to get the flu vaccine if we’re all wearing masks? (3:52)
Key Points: Data from the southern hemisphere shows that they experienced less flu than previous years. This reduction may be due to the practices currently in place in the community as a result of COVID-19 such as regular hand hygiene, universal masking and physical distancing.
This flu season, hospitals need to focus their efforts and resources on the COVID-19 pandemic. By getting the flu vaccine, you are helping to reduce the amount of influenza circulating in the community and helping to ensure hospitals can continue to care for the community when it needs us most.
- Will we run out of the flu vaccine this season? (5:44)
Key Points: This year we have seen an unprecedented demand for the influenza vaccine. Everyone is encouraged get the flu vaccine from a participating pharmacy, clinic or doctor’s office.
- How can I tell if I have the flu or COVID-19? (6:24)
Key Points: The only way to tell if you have the flu or COVID-19 is by getting a test.
- What is our approach to testing for flu and COVID-19? (7:52)
Key Points: As an OHT, we are expanding access to testing in our community to make sure that anyone who needs a test can access a test with low barriers. For more information about temporary COVID-19 testing pop-ups in the community click here.