News Release

Date: July 13, 2022

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COVID-19 Outbreak Declared on Parkside 2 Pods A and B at Providence Care Hospital

Providence Care declared a COVID-19 outbreak on Parkside 2 Pods A and B, two 10-bed sections of a 30-bed inpatient unit at Providence Care Hospital, after four patients tested positive for the virus.

The pods are under quarantine and all patients on the two pods have been placed on contact and aerosol precautions.

The outbreak will be in place for a minimum of 10 days, during which time Parkside 2 Pod A and B patients will be closely monitored for symptoms of COVID-19 and tested where indicated.

Providence Care has alerted Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) Public Health about the positive cases and is working closely with teams there. An investigation is also underway to determine how the patients contracted the virus.

All patients on the unit and loved ones have been informed about the positive cases. For confidentiality reasons Providence Care is not able to share any identifiable or additional information about the cases.

To help limit the spread of infection, the unit has implemented several additional measures including:

• Parkside 2 is closed to admissions.
• Designated visitors are temporarily prohibited on the unit. Only essential visitors and designated care partners are permitted to visit at this time. Visitors must pass screening and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the facility. They must also wear a mask and any appropriate personal protective equipment for the duration of their visit.
• Care teams are closely monitoring all patients to identify potential cases early.
• Continue actively screening staff for COVID-19 symptoms. Staff must also wear appropriate personal protective equipment, practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene.
• Extra cleaning of all high touch surfaces and common areas.

Even with the province easing public health measures, COVID-19 protective measures remain in place at all Providence Care sites. We will continue to review safety measures on an ongoing basis to ensure our staff and the people we serve stay protected.

Current safety measures include:

• Reducing visitors
• Passing screening
• Wearing a mask
• Unvaccinated individuals must perform a rapid antigen test and test negative to enter (exceptions apply)

Please visit providencecare.ca for up-to-date information about COVID-19 protective measures in place at all sites.

Click here for a complete list of Providence Care sites currently under a COVID-19 watch or outbreak.

Quick Facts

• A COVID-19 outbreak was declared on Parkside 2 Pods A and B, two 10-bed sections of a 30-bed inpatient unit at Providence Care Hospital, after four patients tested positive for the virus.
• The outbreak will last a minimum of 10 days. The inpatient pods are under quarantine and the unit is closed to admissions.
• Designated visitors are temporarily prohibited on the unit. Only essential visitors and designated care partners are permitted to visit the unit at this time.
• COVID-19 protective measures, including reducing visitors, screening, masking, and rapid antigen testing for unvaccinated individuals remain in place at all Providence Care sites.

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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 consists of Providence Care Hospital, Providence Transitional Care Centre, Providence Manor long-term care home, Hospice Kingston, and more than 15 community based mental health and support 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:
Jessica Herbison
Director, Communications and Reception Services
Phone: 613-544-4900 ext. 53374
Email: herbisoj@providencecare.ca