Lee Manor is experiencing a Respiratory Outbreak

Update: January 2, 3:30 p.m.

Today we have the following results to share.

• There are no new resident cases.
• There are 4 active respiratory resident cases on 2 South; 3 resident cases are now resolved.
• One new respiratory staff case; one case is now resolved.

Update: January 1, 4:00 p.m.

Testing continues in the home to quickly identify and manage new cases in residents and staff. Today we have the following results to share.

• One new symptomatic resident case on 2 South; PCR test result pending.
• Two resident cases are now resolved. This brings our total to 5 active resident cases.
• No new staff cases. We remain at one active staff case.
• All lab test results received to date are negative for COVID-19.

Restrictions and enhanced protocols currently in place:

• All resident outings have been suspended.
• General visits (indoor and outdoor) are currently suspended for all resident home areas
• Essential visitors are still permitted (palliative or critically ill).
• Designated Care Partner visits have been reduced to one (1) DCP per resident for 2 South residents.
• Virtual visits can be arranged for all residents.
• Window visits can be arranged for residents (1S, 2N, 3 N & 3S) be booked through the Lee Manor Booking Tool 

The entire team, residents and designated care partners continue to do an excellent job managing and containing the outbreak. Thank you for your continued support and we will keep you informed as we receive more information.

Update: December 31, 4:00 p.m.

Staff, residents, and Designated Care Partners continue doing an excellent job managing the ongoing respiratory outbreak affecting the 2^nd Floor South at Lee Manor.  Today we have no new resident or staff cases to report in relation to the outbreak.  We also have no additional resident or staff cases to report from regular COVID-19 surveillance. Staffing levels in the home remain stable. 

Update: December 30, 5:30 p.m.

Testing continues in the home to quickly identify and manage new cases in residents and staff. Today we have the following results to share regarding the respiratory outbreak on 2 South.

• There are no new resident cases.
• All 6 residents lab test results have returned negative for COVID-19. Following the assessment by our Medical Director, one resident has been retested; test result pending.
• One staff member is now experiencing respiratory symptoms that meet the updated case definition for the outbreak.

Completely separate and unrelated to the 2nd South respiratory outbreak, we received confirmation today that two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. Through ongoing COVID-19 surveillance measures, the staff have received positive PCR tests.  The staff members are not symptomatic and have been self- isolating at home since testing positive on rapid antigen test. We will continue working closely with them to monitor both situations and will provide updates as soon as we can. 

Thank you all for your care and support as we manage the outbreak. We appreciate the ongoing patience and understanding.

Update: December 29, 2:30 p.m.

At this time, we are still awaiting PCR test results; however, we want to provide you with an update based on the results we have received.

• COVID-19 has not been detected in residents or staff based on the results received to date in this outbreak.
• There are no new respiratory cases on 2 South.
• 3 PCR tests are still outstanding and unfortunately all we can do is await the results.
• Staffing levels in the home remains stable. 

The current number of staff considered affected by this outbreak is 0. The reason for the change from 4 staff to 0 is because Public Health has adjusted the definition of a case for this outbreak to include two respiratory symptoms. The four staff reported yesterday no longer meet the definition of a case in this respiratory outbreak. They will remain off work until their symptoms subside and they can safely return to the home, as per our standard protocol.

Thank you to all our diligent staff and residents for doing a terrific job responding to and managing the outbreak. We appreciate the ongoing support and patience.

Update: December 28, 4:00 p.m.

Testing continues in the home to quickly identify and manage new cases in residents and staff. Today we have the following results to share.

• No additional resident cases. 3 of the 6 results have returned negative for COVID-19, and we are waiting for the final 3 results. Symptomatic residents are currently isolated.
• One additional staff member is experiencing symptoms. This brings the staff total to 4; results pending. Affected staff are self-isolating at home.

Restrictions and enhanced protocols currently in place for all home areas:

• All outings have been suspended.
• General visits (indoor and outdoor) are currently suspended for all resident home areas
• Virtual visits can be arranged for all residents.
• Essential visitors are still permitted (palliative or critically ill).

2 South Outbreak measures:

• All 2 South residents are cohorted and staff are dedicated to the home area.
• In room meal service is being provided for all 2 South residents.
• Designated Care Partner visits have been reduced to one (1) DCP per resident for 2 South residents.

Other Home Areas measures (1 South, 2 North, 3 North and South)

• Window visits can be arranged for residents and be booked through the Lee Manor Booking Tool 
• Designated Care Partners (DCPs) may still visit residents in the home, up to two per resident at a time.

On December 27^th, 2021 Public Health declared a respiratory outbreak on 2 South. In an effort to prevent further spread, the residents of 2S will be isolated to that home area and control measures put into place. Currently 6 residents and 3 staff are experiencing symptoms. Symptomatic individuals have been tested for COVID-19 and other respiratory illness; results received to date on symptomatic residents are negative for COVID-19, RSV, Influenza A and B with others pending. We will provide further updates when test results are confirmed.

On December 26^th we implemented new restrictions and enhanced protocols that remain in place:

• All outings have been suspended.
• General visits (indoor and outdoor) are currently suspended for all resident home areas

Additional Outbreak measures:

• All 2 South residents are cohorted and staff are dedicated to the home area.
• Designated Care Partner visits have been reduced to one (1) DCP per resident for 2 South residents.
• Virtual visits can be arranged for all residents.
• Window visits can be arranged for 1S, 2N, 3S, 3N residents and be booked through www.grey.ca/long-term-care 
• Designated Care Partners (DCPs) for 1S, 2N, 3S, 3N may still visit residents in the home, up to two per resident at a time.

Once you have been actively screened and completed your surveillance testing, we ask that you go directly to the resident's room and then leave immediately after your visit. Please remember to follow all infection prevention and control measures.  This includes cleaning your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub when you arrive and before leaving, as well as before and after any contact with a resident.

Grey County takes all outbreaks in our homes seriously. We are working with Public Health and will continue to follow rigorous infection control protocols.