An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at a second long-term facility, the Pioneer Manor in Sudbury, and is the 51st case in the Sudbury District.
City Mayor Brian Bigger says the outbreak was declared following protocols.
He says a resident in his 70s tested positive yesterday, but is doing well and is recovering in self-isolation.
Bigger added all staff and residents of all long-term care facilities are being tested as ordered by the Ontario government on Friday.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts also confirmed another case on Saturday, a man in his 50s who had close contact and is also now in self-isolation.
“It was for this exact reason that we proactively tested all residents and staff at Pioneer Manor to determine if we had asymptomatic residents or staff in our facility, and if found, to stop the spread,” adds Bigger. “Although concerning, after all of the precautions and controls that staff have put in place to prevent the spread of the virus, the identification and isolation of asymptomatic people is the best way to protect our residents and staff throughout this crisis. But let us also take this example to reinforce that we all must remain vigilant and strong. As cases recede across Ontario we cannot rest or relax our efforts. Our most vulnerable community members are those residing in facilities like Pioneer Manor, we owe it to them and to their families to stay home, keep six feet apart when out and do everything we can to flatten this curve. Lives are at stake, let’s keep that top of mind when we are making choices in the days to come.”
In this case, the man is under active follow up with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
“The resident is no longer experiencing symptoms and is doing well. He is in isolation in a private room. All other residents in this area were put on isolation and staff caring for them are not performing work outside of this area, wherever possible. Pioneer Manor continues to work closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts to ensure the safety of residents and staff,” said Aaron Archibald, Director of Long-Term Care Services at Pioneer Manor. “The risk of infection in the home remains low. All 423 residents and 432 staff of the Home have been tested. This is the only positive test result to date, and numerous negative results have already been received for residents in the same area of the home. We will continue to enhance precautions, and I am confident in the expertise and experience of the staff at Pioneer Manor to safely manage this situation,” said Aaron.
“This case marks the second long-term care home outbreak related to COVID-19 in Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “At this time, there are no cases among staff at Pioneer Manor,” added Dr. Sutcliffe.
Also, another positive marks the 13th case of COVID-19 in the Algoma District.
The Algoma Health Unit says the man in his 40s was exposed due to close contact and is currently self-isolating in Sault Ste. Marie.
Total confirmed cases by area of residence are nine in Sault Ste. Marie and area, fewer than five in central and east Algoma, three in Elliot Lake and area and none in north Algoma.
