UPDATE: By Thursday, Niagara Long Term Care had a reduction in active cases, to 44 residents and 14 staff still active.
The outbreak at Niagara Long Term Care on Wellington Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake is ongoing, with a number of both staff and resident cases resolved.
“We currently have 56 active resident cases, with 22 resolved, and no new deaths to report. We have 14 active staff cases with 23 resolved,” says executive director Chris Poos.
“We have been very pleased to introduce the Pan Bio Rapid testing here at Niagara. This testing produces results in 15 minutes, which gives us real-time information to assist us in managing this outbreak, such as cohorting residents.”
Some residents are two to a room, and have been moved to protect others during the outbreak, Poos said earlier.
“We will be welcoming EMS into the home on Monday, Feb, 1 to assist in additional infection prevention and control education. Public Health has also been into the home and is pleased with our IPAC (infection prevention and control) practices.”
The home is waiting for a date of the second vaccination clinic at the home, says Poos. “We look forward to the time when all our residents, staff, and essential caregivers have received the vaccine.”
He remains in regular contact with Public Health, along with other Niagara Health System partners, and ongoing weekly testing for staff and previously negative residents continues. “We are in regular contact with all residents, families, and staff regarding the status of COVID-19 in our home, along with twice-weekly family town halls,” says Poos.
“We are diligent in all our infection prevention and control measures, including twice-daily screening of residents and staff for any signs of the COVID-19 virus, and regular testing.”
Residents continue to be isolated to their rooms, receiving in-room meal service. “We have appropriate staffing levels, and all staff are wearing full personal protective equipment at all times, which is well stocked in the home,” says Poos.
“We remain very grateful to our families, staff, health system partners, and the community for the tremendous support.”