So I was working at York Central Hospital ( rebranded to Mackenzie Health) in Richmond Hill March 2003.
The first SARS patient came through our Emergency Department. I was working a Crisis shift and probably walked right by the patient.
March 27 2003
The hospital was one of two GTA hospitals closed. Grace was the other one.
We had patient zero.
I received my call at home. Given instructions on what to do.
We were put on work to home to work quarantine. We were wanted to come to work in case anyone was infected..
Given thermometers to take our temperature several times daily. Stay a safe distance from family members. Wash hands often. Use separate towels. Do not sleep in the same bed. Report any signs of fever, stuffed nose etc. Mostly do not leave the house other than to come to work. No being in the community. Staff obeyed those rules.
My married daughter and spouse were asked not to visit- it was part of the quarantine. No visitors other than immediate family members. In my case, my husband and younger daughter.
We reported to work through a big tent where our temperature was taken and health questions asked. We wore masks that made us all look like ducks as well as yellow gowns and gloves.
When I returned home, stripped my clothes, straight to the washing machine.
Wearing a mask all day actually gave a low grade headache by the time the shift was over.
There were daily memos on the progress of SARS. Local TV had daily reports from Health Professionals mostly in Public Health.
Work sucked. There was little to do. The Emergency Department gave their area a super clean. Not having patients was hard.
8 staff were infected from the initial exposure and were treated in a special unit along with any other infected people. They all recovered.
Since the hospital was closed and no visitors were allowed, staff were asked if they wanted to visit patients to give some company. Families could come to the property and wave at their loved ones looking out windows. They could phone but not see the patients personally.
Then 10 days after the initial closing, there was an expectation there would be a boom in infected staff. It did not happen. The Quarantine worked. Or probably staff were not infected. Remember we are talking about 1800 staff at the time.
Most doctors stayed away. But two psychiatrists came to the hospital regularly with treats for their staff.
What did happen was the fear. One nurse reported her children were taunted at school because her mother worked in the hospital.
A local video store was fearful their returned movies would have SARS on them.
Downtown Toronto where SARS did not happen experienced a down time.
It was a hospital borne infection. Once people knew what to do it was contained.
Quarantines work.
SARS was the huge learning curve. Our hospital created negative pressure rooms. Mask fitting became a staff requirement for not only hospitals but many work environments. We had to be tested after SARS every two years and wear the number on our name tag in case of any outbreak.
It was transmitted through droplet. Like a cold. Like a flu.
So hand washing. Sneeze into a tissue or sleeve. Cough into a sleeve. If sick stay away from others.
Even now, just be very vigilant of staying away from others who are sick with anything.
Old people, chronically ill and babies are more vulnerable. So if you have a cold, stay away from them. And wash your hands. Have hand sanitizer in your home and purse. Wash your fruit and vegetables. Clean any home surfaces that visitors may touch if worried.
Are you aware more people in Canada will die from a flu virus??
I know the people on the Cruise ship that will now have to go through another quarantine period are ticked. They will return to Canada and have 14 more days. But think about it. They will be monitored. They will be allowed to go outside. If any become sick, they will be treated immediately with good Canadian health care. Hopefully their workplaces will give them proper sick leave.
Fear prevails. Fear makes us crazy.
If you not sick, you do not need a mask. It just makes you touch your face more often.
Some of my habits did not change after SARS. I would change my clothes as soon as I came home from work up until my retirement. Who knew if I carried little germs with me? Especially after the grandchildren were born. No germs on Nana's clothes.
Always got a flu shot. Got the H1N1 shot. I think I was third in line at the hospital. The double dose Shingles shot. A pneumonia shot. Practice good hygiene myself. Wash my hands. Sneeze or cough into my sleeve. If I am sick, I stay away from others.
If you are afraid, then practice those good habits. If going to public places, go when less crowded.
Not sure how long this Corvid19 will be here with us.
But think of those who have recovered, what can we learn from them.
Condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
We will get through this.
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