By Cecilia Nasmith
Golden Plough Lodge Administrator Bill Detlor updated the Community Health Standing Committee of Northumberland County council on the facility's current outbreak situation at their January meeting.
The most recent outbreak was declared on Boxing Day and the GPL remains in outbreak status at this time.
Detlor referred to Directive 3 issued by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and its changes to the protocol surrounding visitors.
With the exception of palliative and end-of-life residents, he said, general visitors are not allowed. Otherwise, each resident can designate a maximum of two caregivers – and any newly designated caregivers must be fully vaccinated before entering. All currently designated caregivers must provide proof of a first dose of vaccine (or a valid medical exemption) to enter the home, other than end-of-life care, and they have until Feb. 21 to get the second dose. In the interim, these visits can only take place in a loved one's room.
“We've gone back to face shields and goggles at all times in the home during the outbreak,” he added.
Detlor mentioned surveillance testing that had come into effect Dec. 30. All staff, students, volunteers and caregivers must be quick-tested twice a week though – due to the outbreak status – PCR testing is being done.
Overnight absences are not allowed at this time, nor are short-stay day absences for social purposes. Essential medical or compassionate absences may be permitted.
Boosters are now mandatory for staff, students, volunteers, support workers and caregivers, Detlor stated. The deadline is Jan. 28 for those who were eligible by the end of 2021. Otherwise, the deadline is March 14 for staff, students,, volunteers and support workers, and May 23 for the remainder of caregivers.
Residents are eligible for a fourth shot three months after their third dose.
“On Oct. 11, a third round was distributed to all residents, so three months after that date they can have their fourth,” Detlor said.
Over the course of the pandemic, the Golden Plough Lodge in its several outbreaks has seen staff members testing positive but, to date, only one resident.
