KAWARTHA LAKES-Officials at Caressant Care on McLaughlin Road in Lindsay are investigating whether the ventilation system in the building could be fuelling the spread of Coronavirus.
“In terms of the home’s HVAC system we are doing everything we can to ensure the system is running properly,” Stuart Oakley, Communications, Caressant Care told Kawartha 411 News. “The issue was raised on this morning’s (Friday)call with the Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Gemmill.”
Oakley and others are looking for answers after the virus spread from one floor to another despite safety protocols being put in place.
“Yes there is some spread from the first floor and we are managing this very carefully continuing to keep positive residents from those who have tested negative,” Oakley says.
Our sources say the virus spread from one unit on the first floor to two units on the second floor despite the Red Cross and Ross Memorial Hospital being brought in to help manage the outbreak.
“We have a service agreement with Summit Mechanical that performs this quarterly inspection and filter replacement. If a unit needs repair prior to the quarterly service Summit Mechanical does respond quickly,” Oakley told Kawartha 411. “Just last week there was an issue with one of the units and because the home was in outbreak, they accessed the rooftop using a 40-foot ladder, eliminating the need to enter the building. This will also be the way they will do the filter change on Monday Feb 8th that I have arranged.”
Today the home is reporting two new resident cases and two new staff cases. According to Oakley, Executive Director Christine Paull is currently “away”. Veronica Nelson from Ross Memorial Hospital is in the home as acting ED and they are working closely with her.
“We continue to follow the advice and direction from Public Health and have daily calls with our care partners to assess the situation. Red Cross is also in the home daily to assist and we continue to work with hospital staff and other outside resources to ensure resident care and to help manage the outbreak.” Oakley said on Wednesday.”
An outbreak was declared at the facility on January 9th after one positive case. To date, there have been 61 cumulative cases. As of today, there are 30 active resident cases and 20 active staff cases. The death toll stands at 9.
“We anticipate Red Cross will be able to help with family calls Monday as we work to secure Ipads and other electronic devices to facilitate those calls,” stated Oakley.
Residents were to begin vaccination Friday but that has been pushed back due to a shortage of product.
“Still hoping for vaccines to begin as soon as possible for those who have consented and are not symptomatic.”
Outbreaks were also declared at the two sites on Mary Street in Lindsay. The Long Term Care and Retirement sites are now outbreak free according to Oakley.
