News Release
Date: April 15, 2020
All Providence Care COVID-19 quarantines/outbreaks now over with no additional spread
All Providence Care COVID-19 related quarantines/outbreaks are officially over as of Apr. 15, 2020, and no other staff, patient, client or resident has tested positive for the virus.
“Because of our rigorous infection prevention and control measures, I’m pleased to report we were able to limit the spread of the virus to just those staff members who initially tested positive for COVID-19,” says Cathy Szabo, Providence Care President & CEO. “No patient, client, resident or additional staff have tested positive for COVID-19, and our teams across the region are determined to keep it that way.”
In total, Providence Care had four staff members test positive for COVID-19.
As a result of the confirmed cases, two units at Providence Care Hospital were placed under quarantine, and an outbreak was declared at Providence Manor.
Staff members who tested positive for COVID-19 have now recovered and are back at work or will soon be returning.
The quarantine and outbreak measures that were put in place have also been lifted.
“While we were able stop the spread of COVID-19 during these quarantines/outbreaks, we know the fight against this deadly virus is far from over. Even during these uncertain times, our commitment to enhancing the quality of life of the people we serve is as strong as ever. We will continue to work with Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) Public Health and implement every safety precaution possible to ensure all Providence Care sites remain safe places to work and receive care,” says Szabo.
The following measures are still in place at all Providence Care sites:
- At Providence Care Hospital and Community sites, screening all staff daily. Both prior to their shift and upon all reentries for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
- As per Ministry of Long-Term Care directives, all Providence Manor staff is screened twice a day, at the beginning and end of shifts, as well as all reentries. Screening includes taking temperatures. Staff must also wear masks for the duration of their shifts.
- Monitoring staff, patients, clients and residents for symptoms of illness carefully with initiation of COVID-19 swabbing early.
- Enhanced housekeeping measures, including extra cleaning of high touch surfaces and common areas.
- Encouraging staff to practice safe social/physical distancing wherever possible while at work.
- At Providence Care Hospital and Providence Manor, visitors are restricted to only essential visitors (those with a loved one who is end-of-life). Essential visitors are also actively screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, are given masks to wear and are only permitted to visit their loved one’s room.
Quick Facts
- The ‘quarantines’ at Providence Care Hospital and the ‘outbreak’ at Providence Manor had the same measures in place with guidance from KFL&A Public Health, to protect all staff and the people we serve.
- No patient, client or resident at any Providence Care site has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Providence Care’s Community Services across the region continue to provide care for clients in their homes and long-term care facilities. To help reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19, all programs have incorporated alternate service delivery strategies, which may include:
- Virtual visits and connecting with clients/families via telephone or video conferencing
- Developing wellness plans to mitigate the impact of social isolation on clients
- Continuing with face-to-face appointments and home visits only when deemed clinically essential
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About Providence Care:
Providence Care is Southeastern Ontario’s leading provider of specialized care in aging, mental health and rehabilitation. The organization operates Providence Care Hospital, a long-term care home (Providence Manor) and several community-based rehabilitation and mental health services across the region. To find out more about Providence Care, visit ProvidenceCare.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information, contact:
Nikki Jhutti
Communications Officer
Phone: 613-544-4900 ext. 53372
I am delighted to receive this update regarding the management of COVID-19 risk @ Providence Care.
Having worked @ Providence Care during the SARS outbreak , I am familiar with the excellent training & protective equipment provided to staff by the Department of Occupational Health & Safety.
So very thankful for the excellent care given to the patients at Providence Care Hospital. A big thank you to the housekeeping staff. These are trying times and we appreciate everyone’s care and concern. Stay healthy and safe.