A resident of Hospice Peterborough has tested positive for COVID-19, the palliative care organization announced in a media release on Tuesday afternoon (April 28).
The asymptomatic resident had been transferred to the organization’s London Street location from a long-term care facility that recently experienced a COVID-19 outbreak.
“Awareness of this diagnosis has allowed us to maximize this individual’s comfort, while protecting their family and staff through isolation and other protective equipment measures and procedures,” says Hospice Peterborough medical director Dr. John Beamish. “We remain committed to our mission of providing optimal care to the dying, while supporting family and community through difficult times.”
There are no additional suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Hospice Peterborough residents or staff members.
According to Hospice Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health has not declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the residence.
An Ontario Ministry of Health directive requires that a COVID-19 outbreak must be declared in a long-term care home when there is a single laboratory confirmed case of COViD-19 in a resident or staff member. However, the directive also states it may not be necessary to declare an outbreak for a new admission or re-admission to a long-term care home “if they have been in isolation under contact and droplet precautions since entering the home.”
Hospice Peterborough says that, since the beginning of March, the facility has followed an outbreak management plan by implementing and following strict pandemic protocols, precautions, and procedures. Only essential staff and visitors have been allowed to enter the London Street facility, all staff members and visitors have been provided with personal protective equipment, and deep cleaning and disinfecting has been taking place.
“As always the health and safety of clients, residents, family members, volunteers, staff, partners, and community members is paramount,” says Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hos. “We have communicated each and every COVID-19 development and occurrence with our stakeholders and community since the beginning.”
