Health officials declared an outbreak at Extendicare Maple View in the late evening of December 31 after two staff members tested positive for COVID-19. Both individuals remain in isolation.
Algoma Public Health (APH) stated that surveillance testing of staff and residents is being completed with all available lab results returning negative tests so far.
As more results become available, Extendicare Maple View will provide updates directly to residents, staff, and family members.
This is the second outbreak declared at the Extendicare Maple View LTC home after three residents tested positive back in May.
It remains one of two facilities in the district that have declared outbreaks since the pandemic started.
As Algoma Public Health works with Maple View to identify potential exposures, and to support the care team in putting heightened infection prevention and control measures in place that will reduce the risk of further spread, it is important for all Algoma residents to continue to stay vigilant against COVID-19. The risk of exposure to COVID-19 can be reduced by public health measures including:
- Limiting close contact to household members only
- Maintaining a distance of at least 2 meters (or 6 feet)
- Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces and outside when distancing is an issue
- Avoiding crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation
- Frequent hand washing
- Staying home when having symptoms
By law, during the province-wide shutdown, indoor gatherings of any size are not allowed with people who are not a part of the same household. This means:
Families should not visit any other household or allow visitors in their homes
Individuals who live alone and single parents may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation.
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Learn more about face masks and how to stay safe by enrolling in a mask fitting test which is a requirement for many workspaces and schools or the available masks for sale by visiting our face mask sale page.
Our courses maintain social distancing measures with reduced class sizes to maintain the minimum 2 meters apart along with the mandatory use of face masks and regular temperature checks. The venue of the courses undergo regular, enhanced cleaning and disinfection routines.
For more information about face masks, check out these sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html