65 PINES RESIDENTS ISOLATED IN ROOMS FOR 14 DAYS AFTER 2 STAFF COVID CASES

BRACEBRIDGE — An outbreak of two COVID cases at the Pines among staff over the weekend has led to the isolation of 65 residents for two weeks.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has placed the LTC home in outbreak status and ordered residents to isolate in their rooms.

As a result general visiting remains suspended and only staff, essential caregivers, and essential visitors may enter the home.

The health unit will lift the outbreak status following 14 consecutive days with no new cases, which may be as soon as the end of the day of Nov. 12.

Full COVID-19 PCR testing was completed for all residents over the weekend. Some results have been received, and the remaining results are expected in the coming days.

At this time, no residents have tested positive.

Full PRC testing for all staff began Monday and was being completed Tuesday, and results of testing are expected in the coming days.

At this time no additional staff have tested positive.

Daily rapid testing of all staff or essential caregivers entering the home will continue until further notice.

Additional staff at the District of Muskoka-run home are being voluntarily redeployed to support staff and residents.  They will be assisting with portering residents, monitoring hallways, and checking in on residents during meal times, which will allow Pines staff to focus on providing personal care and direct support to residents.

The Pines continues to maintain steps to protect residents and staff. These steps include:

Enhanced deep-cleaning of all home and common areas of the Pines is underway, increasing the daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces.

Additional PPE supplies have been delivered to the home.

Pines management team is working with the SMDHU to identify high-risk contacts and is following their guidance on any additional steps required.