Southwestern Public Health working with Ingersoll’s Secord Trails to contain COVID-19 Outbreak

As of May 22, 7 health care workers have been confirmed positive with the virus.

On Monday, a single case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in a health care worker at Secord Trails Care Community. As of this morning, Southwestern Public Health confirms an additional six COVID-19 positive test results - bringing the total to seven health care workers within the organization.

The affected staff hold various positions with varying levels of contact with residents. They are all self-isolating at home. No residents have been confirmed positive at this time. Some laboratory results are still pending. Secord Trails Care Community employs approximately 110 staff and cares for approximately 80 residents.

“The majority of those staff impacted live within the region served by Southwestern Public Health. Our staff are moving quickly to inform people of their results, trace contacts and provide guidance on self-isolation and other safety measures,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health. “At the same time, we’re working closely with the leadership team and staff at Secord Trails on their strategy to contain the spread and help them connect with the resources they need to care for their residents safely during the outbreak period.”

For the safety of staff and residents, the Secord Trails team has the following precautions in place:

• All team members are wearing surgical face masks and having their temperature taken twice per shift.
• Isolation protocols are in place and all residents are dining in their rooms.
• Frequent monitoring of all residents’ health, including temperatures checked twice daily.
• Rigorous frequent cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces.
• No non-essential visitors and active screening for any essential visitor, including temperature checks.

In addition to the support from Southwestern Public Health, Ontario Health West and regional hospitals have provided staffing and human resources support to help Secord Trails Care Community during this difficult time.

About Southwestern Public Health

Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Promotion and Protection Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.

Contacts

Megan Cornwell Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health 519-631-9900, ext. 1259 | Mobile 519-320-0819 mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca Sienna Senior Living mediainquiry@siennaliving.ca 905-477-4006 extension 2034