One Positive Case of COVID-19 at Elgin Manor and an Additional Case at Terrace Lodge

For Immediate Release

December 21, 2020

[Elgin County, Ontario] – Elgin County was notified this morning that one (1) resident at Elgin Manor Long-Term Care Home has tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is asymptomatic and is in isolation.

Following an announcement of two (2) staff members who tested positive for COVID-19 at Terrace Lodge, an additional staff member has also tested positive, bringing the total of impacted staff members to three (3). All are asymptomatic and isolating at home.

Residents in all three (3) Elgin County Homes are being closely monitored by our medical team. County staff are working closely with Southwestern Public Health on outbreak management and to identify close contacts of the staff member and the resident. Residents, staff and community members who are determined to be at risk are being contacted to prevent further spread of illness in the Home or in the community.

Elgin Manor and Terrace Lodge Long-Term Care Homes (LTCH) have declared outbreaks. To help control the spread of COVID-19, the Province has directed all LTCHs declare an outbreak or suspected outbreak if a resident or staff member tests positive. All staff working in Elgin’s LTCHs are tested every 7 days, pursuant to the Ministry of Health directive. Any resident or employee that shows even the slightest evidence of a health change are immediately screened for COVID-19.

Elgin’s LTCH staff have, since the onset of the pandemic, taken steps to assess and improve preparedness for responding to COVID-19. Our team continues to take all necessary steps to decrease the risk of spreading the virus and remain dedicated to the health and safety of our residents. Additional safeguards to lessen the potential transfer of COVID-19 have been put in place.

County staff have responded quickly and in accordance with direction from Southwestern Public Health to limit further transmission of the virus. At this time, staff are making every effort to contact families of Elgin Manor residents to inform them of the situation.

“We want families of our residents to know that we are doing everything in our power to stop the spread of the virus within Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor. This is a very scary time for our staff, our residents and their families. I want the community to know that we have an incredibly dedicated team working in our Homes and they are committed to keeping your loved ones safe,” says Warden Tom Marks. “The best way for the community to support our frontline workers and our most vulnerable citizens is to adhere to all public health guidelines,” continued Warden Tom Marks.

At this time, Bobier Villa LTCH does not have any positive cases among residents or staff.

Regular updates and changes to visitor restrictions will be provided to residents, families and caregivers.

For media inquiries contact: Warden Tom Marks | tmarks@elgin.ca