Further COVID cases extend GPL outbreak

By Cecilia Nasmith

The declaration of outbreak at the Golden Plough Lodge long-term care home has been extended, after the results of whole-home testing this week confirmed that three additional staff members, as well as one resident, are positive for COVID-19.

On Boxing Day, confirmation of two positive cases among staff led the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit to declare an outbreak at the facility, in accordance with Ministry guidelines.

“Affected members of staff are currently on leave, in self-isolation, and we wish them a speedy recovery,” Administrator Bill Detlor stated.

“As an additional precaution beyond the infection-control measures currently in place, the resident – who remains asymptomatic – has been transferred to a designated isolation space within the home, with care provided by a dedicated team exclusively cohorted with this individual.

“The safety of our residents and staff, and continued quality care and support of our residents, remains at the forefront of our every action as we navigate this outbreak.”

Repeat whole-home testing will proceed as planned today as part of a risk -mitigation protocol that includes careful staff self-monitoring and daily active screening of residents. Visitor restrictions remain in place, with only one Essential Caregiver per resident permitted into the home at this time. Palliative care visits will be maintained, with full PPE.

Outbreak notifications for the Golden Plough Lodge are reported through the ‘Community Outbreak’ area of the health unit website at https://www.hkpr.on.ca/category/my-community/ outbreaks/.