Long-term care sector is mobilized against COVID-19

Re: More must be done for seniors in care homes, April 29

A good place to begin with a response is to highlight that the Peterborough experience in long-term care has been significantly different from the provincial one. Local long-term care partners continue to work diligently to protect the well-being of their residents. They very quickly created a community of practice that has been meeting together weekly with Peterborough Public Health since Jan. 27 to better understand and implement the provincial guidance and directives.

Local long-term care homes have been very aggressive in testing anyone with symptoms. Timely detection has prevented the spread of COVID-19 in this vulnerable population. Fortunately, the experience to date is that cases in longterm care have had mild illness. There has been one death where COVID-19 was listed as a contributing factor.

On April 18, enhanced surveillance where all staff and residents are tested, in all long-term care and retirement homes began. Thanks to the support of the Peterborough community paramedics and PRHC’s Assessment Centre, this is scheduled to be completed by May 12.

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic is putting pressures on the long-term care sector. These are difficult times for everyone, especially the residents, their families and the staff. But it is not correct to suggest that we haven’t been proactive. The sector mobilized and has been working hard long before COVID-19 was even declared a pandemic.

Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, medical officer of health