The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and Lanark Lodge are working together to manage a COVID-19 outbreak. One staff had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus from swab obtained May 9, 2020. This result was received on May 12, 2020. At the direction of the Health Unit, this staff person was retested on the same day. On May 14, 2020 (today) the Health Unit received confirmation of the second positive test. Therefore, as a result Lanark Lodge has been declared in a COVID-19 Outbreak. Infection control measures under the Long-Term Care Home Act have been put in place to manage the outbreak and are being monitored by the Health Unit.  

All residents of Lanark Lodge, including in the affected neighbourhood, have received their swab results back from May 7, 2020 and May 8, 2020 and were negative for COVID-19. At this time, there are approximately ten (10) staff swab results outstanding.

The affected staff member does not have symptoms and is isolating at home. 

“The home is compliant with all government directives and safety measures for long-term care,” says Lanark Lodge’s Medical Director, Dr. Taylor Ferrier.

These measures include:

• All residents in the affected area have been isolated as of May 12, 2020.
• Staff in the affected area of the Home are wearing full Personal Protective Equipment.
• Resident and staff members continue to have their temperatures checked twice daily along with assessments to confirm no new symptoms are presenting.
• Dining for all residents in the affected area is by tray service in each individual room with staff supervision.
• Physical distancing is continuing to be practiced.
• Rigorous frequent cleaning of all high touch surfaces remains in place.

“We appreciate your ongoing support during this challenging time. As always, our priority is the health and safety of both residents and team members and collectively we are focused on resourcing the care and services accordingly. The health and safety of our residents and staff is our highest priority. ” Dr. Taylor Ferrier added.

“With the early recognition of one staff person who has COVID-19 Lanark Lodge has been able to put the needed prevention and control measures in place,” says Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health. “We have learned in working with other Homes how important it is to identify a COVID-19 outbreak early to control the spread of infection.”

Stewart adds, “the recent outbreaks in LGL also show that the virus is still in our communities and that we all need to follow the recommended actions even though some restrictions are slowly being lifted. By working together we can protect the most vulnerable among us!”

The best way to get reliable information about COVID-19 is by visiting www.healthunit.org/coronavirus. Please call the Health Unit if you have any questions at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2499 from 8:30am to 4:30pm every day. You can also get important public health updates by connecting with LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter.

If you have respiratory symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who does, self-isolate at home and then use Ontario’s Self-Assessment Tool or call the Health Unit or your health care provider to be screened for assessment. Brockville Assessment Centre accepts walk-ins for screening at 100 Magedoma Boulevard (Brockville Memorial Centre), call the Health Unit or check our website for open hours this weekend. Appointments or referrals are no longer required. If you have transportation issue, contact the Health Unit.

Visit Ontario’s website, www.Ontario.ca/coronavirus to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

Article submitted by Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit