For Immediate Release - Elgin County Long Term Care Homes - One (1) Resident Tests Postive for COVID-19 at Elgin Manor

For Immediate Release

October 1, 2021

[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 in isolation. At this time, there are no other reported cases of COVID-19 among staff or residents at Elgin Manor. We are closely monitoring residents and screening staff for symptoms of COVID-19. With one positive case, Elgin Manor is considered to be in “suspect outbreak”.

County staff are working closely with Southwestern Public Health on outbreak management and to identify close contacts of 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.

To help control the spread of COVID-19, the Province has directed all LTCHs declare a suspected outbreak if a resident or staff member tests positive. All persons not fully vaccinated, including visitors and staff working in Elgin’s LTCHs are tested 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 Elgin Manor. 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 and Terrace Lodge LTCHs do not have any positive cases among residents or staff.

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

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