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Simcoe Manor awaits all clear following latest outbreak

December 11, 2020   ·   0 Comments

Beeton’s Simcoe Manor is awaiting the all-clear after a series of COVID-19 tests have come back negative.

On Monday, the County of Simcoe, which operates the long-term care residence, said they continue to receive results back from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) after all staff were tested for the virus last Wednesday.

“So far, we have received the majority of results, which were all negative for the COVID-19 virus, said the County. “These negative tests are proof that our infection control efforts are having the right effect and are protecting residents and the home. We are optimistic that having reacted early, we will have more good news to share later this week regarding the current outbreak on Essa Unit.​”

As The Times reported last week, Simcoe Manor’s Essa Unit was placed back into an outbreak situation just days after a facility-wide outbreak was declared over by the SMDHU. The change in status was the result of one positive case amongst staff.

“Public Health officials presume the staff member contracted the virus in the community after testing negative for COVID-19 the week prior through our mandatory testing in the home,” said the County on December 3. “All residents who did not previously test positive for COVID on Essa have now been tested and we will keep you informed as we receive the results. Staff also continue to be tested weekly. The employee who tested positive was cohorted to the Essa Unit, passed daily screening and was adhering to infection control and PPE protocols within the home. Given the timeline on testing, with just one week between swabs, we’re very optimistic that this positive case was caught early and the immediate actions taken over the weekend to implement droplet contact precautions and infection control measures will lead to an isolated case.”

This optimism continued on December 4 as testing continued.

“We’re pleased to report that we have received test results back from all residents and staff on the Essa Unit, all confirmed negative,” they said in Friday’s update. “Essa Care Unit remains in outbreak, but we are encouraged by the negative tests received and that our infection control efforts are working to protect residents and the home. This is great news for our recovery, and we are hopeful that we will have more good news to share later next week.”

By Brock Weir

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