Niagara Long Term Care still dealing with outbreak

Niagara Long Term Care remains in a COVID outbreak, reports executive director Chris Poos.

Currently there are 13 staff members with active cases, and 16 resolved, as well as 13 residents infected, also with 16 resolved.

“Sadly,” says Poos, “over the last week two residents have passed away. The cause was not directly related to COVID-19, but they did contract the virus while palliative.”

He says the long-term care home staff are in regular contact with Public Health, and are continuing with vaccination clinics. “Today, all residents and staff will be PCR tested, and we are working with St. Joseph’s to assist in expediting the PCR results.” 

All outbreak protocols throughout the home continue to be followed, which include residents isolated to their rooms, receiving in-room meal service.

Group activities and communal dining are on hold, and one-to-one programming is being offered and encouraged, says Poos.

Fully vaccinated, designated essential caregivers continue to be welcome, visiting one at a time, and must pass active screening, receive a negative rapid test, and wear full PPE, including a respirator mask. 

General visitation and resident social absences have been paused. 

Increased cleaning is happening in all high touch areas and on surfaces, and hand hygiene and PPE audits are ongoing.

Staff are cohorted to specific home areas, including during break time, says Poos, all PPE is available and well-stocked, and staff will continue to receive rapid tests each shift and a PCR test twice per week until further notice. 

Residents are receiving rapid and PCR tests — both are available at the home. This practice will continue throughout the outbreak, says Poos.

“We are in regular contact with staff, residents, and families through email updates, phone calls and virtual town halls.”

Virtual visits are encouraged, and many of the residents have designated essential caregivers coming into the home to participate in the care of their loved one.

“Staff are working hard to provide great care to our residents,” says Poos.

“The home is stable, staffing is good, and we are well stocked with supplies. Yesterday’s (Monday’s) snowstorm was certainly a challenge, and we are incredibly grateful to our staff for once again putting the home and our residents first, and making it work.”