A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at another long-term care facility in Chatham-Kent.
An update posted on the local Public Health Unit's website Friday afternoon states that an outbreak has been declared at Fairfield Park Nursing Home in Wallaceburg.
There are now two active COVID-19 outbreaks at an institution in Chatham-Kent, as an outbreak was declared at Riverview Gardens in Chatham earlier this month.
An administrator at Fairfield Park said one staff member has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in self-isolation. No residents from Fairfield Park have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.
"Our staff are following all of the COVID-19 directives of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Ministry of Long-Term Care," said Tracey Maxim in an emailed statement. "These steps include swabbing all residents within the home, isolating residents who may have had contact with this staff member, vigilant monitoring of residents and staff for symptoms, the use of appropriate protective equipment, and heightened cleaning throughout the home."
Maxim said the facility is working closely with Chatham-Kent's medical officer of health and quick action was taken in order to stop the spread of the virus.A letter to residents posted on Fairfield Park's website said the staff member who tested positive had "very minimal close contact" with other employees and residents.
"As a precaution, we have isolated residents residing on our Green Wing and have assigned dedicated staff to this area of the home," read the post. "We know isolation can be very hard on our residents and we are focused on providing them with the best possible care during this difficult time."
Until further notice, residents will not be able to have loved ones visit the facility and they will be restricted from non-essential absences as well.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit reported six new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and only two cases were marked as resolved. The number of active cases in Chatham-Kent is now at 41.
