COVID-19 outbreak at Kitchener nursing home results in 40 cases, one death (update)
Posted Apr 11, 2020 09:05:00 PM.
26 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 at a long term care facility in Kitchener, including one case of death.
Fourteen staff members at Forest Heights Long Term Care Home have also tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Revera, the parent company of Forest Heights, says all infected staff members are at home isolating and they will work closely with public health officials to follow strict infection control practices.
Prior to the outbreak, Revera says staff at Forest Heights have been practicing strict pandemic protocols including enhanced cleaning at the home, and bringing in extra staff for frequent cleaning of high touch areas.
Revera says they will focus on containing the spread by moving forward with a universal masking policy for all staff, along with cancelling group recreation programs and shared eating spaces to promote physical distancing.
The release says residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and anyone exhibiting symptoms, are in isolation. Any staff members caring for these residents will be given full personal protective equipment to wear, including a mask, face shield, gloves and gown.
Dr. Rhonda Collins, Chief Medical Officer, Revera, says they will continue to do everything they can to keep residents and employees safe as they work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at their long term care homes and retirement residences.
Dr. Collins also goes on to offer condolences to the family of the deceased resident and to staff members who attended to them.
Revera says Forest Heights will continue to reach out to families and staff to provide updates on the outbreak during this time of physical isolation.
