An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at the Extended Care Unit, Welland Site, effective today.
One staff member has tested positive for COVID-19 following routine surveillance, which meets provincial guidelines to call an outbreak in a long-term care setting. This is a community-acquired case. The staff member is isolating at home and contact tracing has taken place.
“We are taking all necessary steps to create the safest possible environment for the residents and staff,” says Derek McNally, Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. “These outbreak safety measures include twice daily screening of all residents and staff, enhanced cleaning, dedicated staffing, full personal protective equipment, among other measures.”
In-person visiting restrictions remain in place. Niagara is currently designated in the Orange-Restrict level of Ontario’s COVID-19 response framework, which permits only essential caregivers at long-term care homes.
The Extended Care Unit is a 75-bed long-term care home. The 40-bed interim long-term care unit is a separate wing and is not impacted by the outbreak.
