By Cecilia Nasmith
The Golden Plough Lodge long-term-care home continues to remain in outbreak, with a third staff member testing positive for COVID-19 since the current period of outbreak was initially declared by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit on Jan. 16.
The announcement note that staff from both the GPL and the health unit have been working together during this time to ensure all the appropriate outbreak-prevention measures are implemented.
“In recent weeks, we have seen a number of new cases locally, especially in our area long-term-care homes,” said Dr. Ian Gemmill, Acting Medical Officer of Health.
“In working with our homes, including the Golden Plough Lodge, we know they are doing all they can to stop the spread of the virus within their facilities. With the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine locally, and the roll-out beginning this week in area long-term-care homes, we are one step closer to getting the vaccines into the arms of those most vulnerable.”
On Dec. 21, a single positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed in a GPL staff member, resulting in the first outbreak declared at the home since the beginning of the pandemic. This initial outbreak concluded on Jan. 3, with no further cases arising during that period.
GPL Administrator Bill Detlor said that a protocol of weekly staff testing and twice-daily screening of all residents and staff remains in place.
“We are working around the clock to keep this virus out of our home and keep our residents and staff safe,” Detlor added.
“The recent identification of three positive cases among staff is certainly troubling. It is a testament to the effectiveness of current monitoring systems that we are able to identify cases early in order to minimize risk and start supporting affected staff members as quickly as possible.
“We will continue to keep our residents, families and community informed as we navigate this outbreak and prepare for the welcome roll-out of vaccines at the GPL in the coming weeks.”
