Hamilton reported four outbreaks in nursing homes Tuesday, when Ontario moved to further toughen the rules in long-term care.
The city had 35 active outbreaks in its COVID panel Tuesday, including three new ones of which two are in homes for the elderly. The Amica Stoney Creek retirement home is in a “suspicious” outbreak with six cases, including two in residents.
In an email, public health said that suspected outbreaks are those in which a single resident positive test in a congregated setting. But due to delays in laboratory tests and confirmationPublic health has also been declaring “suspicious” outbreaks in which clusters of cases are identified by rapid antigen testing in high-risk settings and PCR confirmation is pending, spokeswoman Michelle Williams said.
In an email, Jennifer Dunsmore, a spokeswoman for Amica Stoney Creek, said the source of the outbreak has not yet been identified, but that all staff have undergone PCR testing and that the home is taking steps to stop the spread.
Idlewyld Mansion long term care house is in a confirmed outbreak with two personal cases.
The third outbreak reported on Dec. 27 was at the West Clinical Teaching Unit at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton with three cases, including one in a patient.
The suspicious outbreak declared Dec. 24 at the Wellington Nursing Home was also confirmed and increased to seven cases, including two in residents.
A suspected outbreak in Extendicare Hamilton increased from one to three cases. But an Extendicare spokesperson said in an email that there are now six cases, three residents and three employees.
“The symptoms so far are thankfully very mild and some are asymptomatic,” Rebecca Scott Rawn said in a statement. She noted that all staff are fully vaccinated, although it was not clear from the statement how many received third doses. More than 90 percent of residents received your reinforcement, she said.
All staff and residents are being screened and staff are wearing N95 masks, added Scott Rawn. Public health has ordered general visitors to be suspended, while essential caregivers must remain in their loved one’s room, he said.
Beginning Thursday at 12:01 a.m., Ontario suspends general visits to long term care homes. Residents will also not be allowed to take daily absences for social reasons. Designated caregivers can continue to visit.
Total number of outbreaks in Hamilton after public health stopped is unknown stating new outbreaks in workplaces and community settings late last week. New outbreaks will only appear on the city board in high-risk settings, such as hospitals, schools, and homes for the elderly.
Maria Iqbal covers aging-related topics for The Spectator. [email protected]
Reference-www.thestar.com