Status of COVID-19 in our Homes
You May be Wondering: What Happens in a peopleCare Home During an Outbreak?
Through a range of measures, peopleCare continues to follow all health directives and to do our part to keep our residents, staff and communities safe and reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
TESTING AND OUTBREAKS
The criteria for COVID-19 testing is determined by Public Health and Chief Medical Officer of Health directives. Public Health may declare an entire Home (or one or more Home areas) in outbreak with two or more lab-confirmed cases of COVID in residents within a 10-day period. The cases must have an epidemiological link (e.g. same unit or floor), each with a positive COVID-19 test within that 10-day period. Please be reassured:
- We will inform staff, residents and families of a specific Home, if an outbreak is declared.
- We will keep families informed of COVID-19 testing as per Public Health direction, and will contact you directly if your loved one tests positive or becomes ill.
- We are committed to keeping you updated and also welcome you to call the Home at anytime if you have questions or concerns.
In the event of an outbreak, our teams are prepared to meet the challenge head-on. We have experience managing infectious illnesses, the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for residents and staff, and updated checklists and protocols for managing COVID-19 outbreaks. We also continue to rely on the guidance of Public Health and adhere to all Ministry directives.
Please check with your peopleCare home about the status of any outbreaks.
ENHANCED PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE
peopleCare has rigorous infection control and surveillance practices in place year-round, based on Public Health guidelines. Since the emergence of COVID-19, we’ve also taken a number of additional steps to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and ensure we are as prepared as possible, such as:
- Putting enhanced infection control measures in place and following all Public Health directives.
- The number and types of visitors that may be present in a Home is guided by Ministry policies and additional measures that may be required by local Public Health Units.
- Essential caregivers are provided with training, PPE and ongoing support and can be in the Home during an outbreak. Visit our Family Caregivers Program page for more info.
- Reviewing our pandemic and staffing contingency plans, infection prevention and control plans, and ensuring we have the necessary supplies and personal protective equipment to keep residents and staff safe.
- Working closely with Ontario Public Health, the Government and the Ontario Long-Term Care Association to stay updated on the latest developments and directives.
- Communicating frequently with residents, families, staff and our communities to ensure everyone is well-informed and prepared to collaboratively respond to the evolving situation.
Early on, peopleCare developed a framework from which to make proactive, evidence-based decisions that would protect residents and staff, based on the best and most updated information available. Our approach to enhancing measures supplements Public Health and Ministry directives. These are necessary precautions to help keep everyone safe and we appreciate everyone’s support. As a reminder, washing our hands and avoiding touching our face are simple steps we can all take to reduce risk of transmission and infection.
