Residents and staff at Terrace Lodge Long-Term Care Home in Aylmer are again facing a tough situation right before the holidays after two employees tested positive for COVID-19.
An outbreak notification was posted on Terrace Lodge's website on Saturday. A letter addressed to the families of residents living at Terrace Lodge read that they were notified of two confirmed COVID-19 cases late Saturday afternoon.
Both of the employees who tested positive for the virus are asymptomatic and are self-isolating at home. There are currently no other confirmed COVID-19 cases at Terrace Lodge.
News of the two cases at Terrace Lodge comes just a few days after a previous outbreak was marked as resolved on December 16.
"This indicates how serious our situation is in the community and how great the risk of community transmission is. While we continue to do everything we can to ensure we stop the spread of the virus within Terrace Lodge, it is undeniable that the risk is increasing as cases rise in our area and across the province," said Warden Tom Marks in a media release. "We need the community’s help to contain this potentially devastating virus. It is essential that we respect all public health guidelines.”
The long-term care facility is currently working with Southwestern Public Health officials on outbreak management and practices.
"I know this is difficult news to receive, particularly this close to the holidays. Our hearts go out to you during this distressing time," read a letter signed by Michele Harris, director of Homes and Seniors Services.
Long-term care homes have been directed by the provincial government to declare an outbreak or suspected outbreak if a resident or staff member tests positive for COVID-19. As stated in a release, all employees who work at long-term care facilities in Elgin County are tested for the novel coronavirus daily, as directed by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
On Saturday, the Southwestern Public Health Unit reported 31 new cases of COVID-19.
