By Cecilia Nasmith
The recent COVID-19 outbreak at the Golden Plough Lodge long-term care home is officially over.
A confirmed positive case in a staff member initially prompted the outbreak declaration on Jan. 16, and the outbreak period was extended twice when two staffers subsequently tested positive. To date, no further cases have arisen.
“All staff cases have been resolved, and there was no transmission to residents,” Administrator Bill Detlor said in the announcement.
“This news, along with the first round of vaccines rolling out to our residents last week, have been welcome bright spots during a difficult period. We look forward to being able to share more good news stories like this, as vaccines continue to roll out to frontline workers and essential caregivers in the coming months.”
Stringent infection-control practices will remain in place as staff make every effort to keep the home COVID-free. Detlor added.
“While we are certainly feeling very positive about these recent developments, we also recognize that the threat of COVID-19 has not diminished. We will continue to exercise the greatest caution to keep residents and staff safe, including strict PPE use by all staff, continued weekly COVID-19 testing of all staff, and ongoing active screening twice daily of all staff and residents.”
Visitor restrictions remain in place in accordance with current provincial lockdown requirements. One Essential Caregiver per resident is permitted with proof of a negative COVID test, taken within one week of any visit to the home.
