Regina long-term care homes limit visitors after increase in COVID-19 cases: SHA
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is limiting family visits at Regina long-term care homes after an increase of COVID-19 cases among residents and staff at seven facilities.
Effective immediately, family presence is now limited to end-of-life care.
The SHA said COVID-19 outbreaks have been confirmed at Extendicare Parkside, Regina Lutheran Home, Pioneer Village and the long-term care unit at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. Outbreaks are suspected at Santa Maria and Extendicare’s Elmview and Sunset homes.
The SHA was unable to say how many COVID-19 cases are connected to the multiple outbreaks.
During a press conference Monday afternoon, Dr. Rashaad Hansia, an SHA physician executive with integrated urban health, said the situation is “in flux” due to ongoing testing and information will be released as it becomes available.
According to the health authority, most of those who have received a positive test are not showing symptoms and have not had to be hospitalized. The SHA did not indicate how many residents have been hospitalized.
The SHA said both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents and staff have been impacted by the outbreaks. Long-term care workers are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, though the SHA said it’s “strongly encouraged.”
OUTBREAK AT EXTENDICARE PARKSIDE
Extendicare Parkside, a long-term care home in Regina that was the site of one of Saskatchewan’s deadliest COVID-19 outbreaks, is one of the facilities under outbreak protocol following at least two positive cases.
According to a letter sent to families by the Saskatchewan Health Authority on Sunday, staff have increased infection protection and control measures. The SHA said all staff will be required to continuously wear N-95 masks and will continue to be tested ahead of each shift.
The initial outbreak at Parkside in late 2020 triggered an Ombudsman investigation and report.
In her report, Ombudsman Mary McFadyen said 194 of the 198 Parkside residents caught COVID-19 and 39 of them died; 132 Parkside staff members were also infected.
It is not clear exactly how many Parkside residents and staff have tested positive amid the current outbreak. The SHA’s letter to families stated tests “show an increase in the number of COVID positive residents and staff.”
The SHA said some Parkside residents might be relocated to other facilities to provide them with more protection.
Following the release of Ombudsman’s report on Aug. 5, the government appointed the SHA to oversee all five Extendicare care homes in the province for 30 days.
UNION PRESIDENT SAYS THERE’S ‘ANXIOUSNESS’ AMONG STAFF
The president of the union representing the majority of healthcare workers at Extendicare Parkside said this outbreak came as a surprise to the workers.
“My reaction I think is the same as any of the staff or any of the families of the residents -- oh God, not again,” Barbara Cape, president of SEIU West, said. “I think there’s a level of anxiousness among the staff, and certainly among the residents and their families, of, ‘How did this happen again?’”
She said members have experienced enhanced COVID-19 screening, testing and PPE accessibility since the last outbreak.
Cape said there are a lot of questions to figure out, including how the virus came back into the facility and was there something more that could have been done. Cape said workers are looking for some direction and leadership from the SHA and Extendicare.
“Everyone that works at an Extendicare facility has really gone above and beyond to make sure the outbreaks aren’t happening and if they are, they’re caught early,” Cape said.
Cape said healthcare workers are still coping with the effects from the last outbreak.
“[The healthcare workers] have been through an incredibly traumatic situation where they lost their work family members, their residents, in a really traumatic way. Folks are still dealing with the emotional and mental fallout from that event,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.