KAWARTHA LAKES-The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit says there are now four confirmed cases of Coronavirus at the Caressant Care facility on McLaughlin Road in Lindsay.
Officials would not say if the cases are staff or residents. The health unit declared an outbreak at the facility on January 9 after having one confirmed case. Sources, who want to remain anonymous because they fear reprisal, say the facility is short staffed.
“They are under staffed, should have four to a shift and sometimes they don’t.” the source told Kawartha 411 News. “People are scared and some have quit.”
When asked about staffing, a spokesperson for the facility wouldn’t reveal the staffing situation.
“Staffing in the home is monitored daily and supports are in place for the home.” said Stuart Oakley, Communications and Marketing Manager, Caressant Care Nursing and Retirement Homes Ltd.  “Our focus continues to be caring for residents and stopping the spread of COVID-19.”
Our source says some staff have left due to fear of Coronavirus but pointed out that there was a staffing problem in long term care even before the pandemic began.
The Ontario government provided a short-term increase in pandemic pay for PSW’s in October. While staff in some homes have yet to receive the increase Oakley says staff at Caressant care has been properly paid.
“Pandemic pay as announced by the government in October is being paid to staff as appropriate.” stated Oakley.
There were three new cases of the virus reported in Kawartha Lakes on Tuesday. There are now 23 active cases and the health unit is tracking 71 high risk contacts.
