Dear Families,
This morning we were informed that a staff member who last worked on December 19th on Mapleview has tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid test. This is considered a preliminary positive.
A PCR swab has been collected and results of this are pending.
Unfortunately, this means that all Mapleview residents are isolated to their rooms under airborne precautions.
If the PCR test is negative the residents may come out of isolation. However, if positive, it is expected that the residents on Mapleview will be isolated until the morning of December 30th.
Essential Family Caregivers (EFC’s) are still permitted to visit, and must wear a mask with eye protection, gown and gloves during the visit.
This is not the news that we wanted to hear as we approach Christmas. I ask that you please keep the Mapleview residents in your prayers during this time.
At this time it does not appear that the preliminary positive is linked to our existing outbreak. Therefore, Public Health has declared the outbreak on the other home areas over. Mapleview remains in outbreak.
Leaves of absences (LOAs) and general visits can resume starting tomorrow (December 21st) for all home areas except for Mapleview.
As a reminder, each resident can have up to 2 people visiting them at a time (this includes EFC’s).
Single day leaves of absences (LOA’s) are permitted, however, overnight LOA’s for a non-essential purpose are not permitted.
NEW: Upon the residents return from an LOA they will be placed into isolation precautions. On day 3 they will be swabbed with a PCR test, and will come out of isolation once a negative result is received.
This decision was made with the following in mind;
- Omicron is highly transmissible and could spread very quickly in a Long Term Care or Retirement home setting.
- If a resident tests positive who was not in isolation, it is highly likely that all residents on that home area will be placed into isolation. This is unfair to the other residents, and something we want to avoid.
- If staff members are in contact with a resident who is positive for COVID without full PPE, those staff members are likely to be sent home. Which could be devastating to our staffing levels, and also places our staff and their family at risk.
Isolating only if a positive result is received on day 3 would result in the above consequences, which is why we have decided to take a proactive approach as it relates to isolation of residents.
You must request approval at least one business day in advance of taking your loved one out on an LOA. This is so we can plan for your loved ones self-isolation upon return.
You will also be required to sign a LOA agreement, which indicates that you will follow the 10 person gathering limit set out by the government, and that you understand the isolation precautions that will be in place upon return. For approval please reach out to the Director of Resident Care (Manor-LTC), OR the Care Coordinator (Gardens-Retirement Home).
Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and prayers.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Celeste Pols, DRC