A Wallaceburg nursing home under a COVID-19 outbreak is in mourning after the death of its first resident who had tested positive for the virus.
Fairfield Park reported the death Thursday night. However, Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said on Friday the death was not caused by COVID-19. Colby said he has seen the death certificate, adding the person didn't die from the virus. Jeff Moco of CK Public Health Communications said the person died of "other underlying causes" but can't reveal the cause of death under privacy laws.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share of the passing of a resident at Fairfield Park who had tested positive for COVID-19. The leadership team at Fairfield Park shares our deepest condolences with the family, friends and team members carrying the weight of this loss today," read a statement issued by the home.
Fairfield Park added it's working closely with the local public health unit and health system partners to manage the COVID-19 outbreak in the home and curb the spread of infection. Fairfield said it has implemented and continues to follow all new and ongoing infection prevention and control measures as directed by the province, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment at all times, enhanced cleaning measures, twice daily symptom monitoring of all residents and staff, and isolating residents in their rooms with in-room meal service. Officials at the home added weekly testing of residents and staff continues at the home.
"During this difficult time, everyone at Fairfield Park continues to do everything they can to ensure that the safety and well-being of staff and residents are maintained. We appreciate your continued support during this time," officials said.
The COVID-19 outbreak at Fairfield Park was declared by CK Public Health on January 10 after two staff members tested positive for the virus. The first residents to test positive were reported to the home on January 23, 2021. The outbreak was up to 87 cases among residents, staff, an essential caregiver on Thursday morning. Fairfield Park is a 103 bed facility with about 90 residents currently. CK Public Health said it's doing everything it can to manage the outbreak.
“CK Public Health staff are working very closely with the home on isolation and cohorting of residents based on their infection status,” said Moco.
