Another person in Chatham-Kent has died of COVID-19.
The local health unit reported the new death on Friday along with the latest case numbers. Jeff Moco of CK Public Health (CKPH) Communications said a man in his 70s passed away at the Chatham hospital. The death brings the total number of those who have passed away from the virus locally to six. CKPH is also reporting one local COVID-19 patient in the hospital in Chatham, down from two on Thursday.
The COVID-19 outbreak at Fairfield Park Nursing Home in Wallaceburg continues to grow with three more cases reported. Home Administrator Tracey Maxim said there are now a total of 18 residents and 13 staff at the home who have tested positive for the virus. Maxim added these numbers may change as the situation unfolds.
“While the situation remains concerning for all staff and leaders at Fairfield Park, we feel very supported by our community, residents, and their families and loved ones. The staffing supports put in place over the past three days have provided significant relief as we navigate this outbreak,” she said in a statement. "Over the last 72 hours, Fairfield Park has worked with partners across the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team to ensure adequate care and coverage is being given to our residents."
Maxim said staffing supports from the hospital and other local health care partners are very helpful to ensure that public health guidelines and recommendations are followed. She confirmed that staff supports have been provided for personal support workers, housekeeping staff, and registered nursing staff.
“Though working in a home that is in outbreak comes with challenges, our staff are implementing best practices for PPE (personal protective equipment) usage and handwashing, and are following public health guidelines to do everything we can to contain the spread of COVID-19 within our home,” Maxim said.
The health unit also said there are 114 active cases of the virus after six new cases and four resolved cases were reported. There was no change in the number of outbreaks. It remains at 12 - four in the workplace, four institutional, three in congregate living, and one at the Lambton-Kent Composite School in Dresden.
