Coronavirus spread in continuing care homes a concern
Medical chief announces two new deaths from virus at separate seniors’ homes
Public health officials say Albertans need to up their efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in vulnerable communities after an additional death and a jump in cases at Calgary’s Mckenzie Towne Continuing Care Centre.
Another resident of the southeast facility in her 70s has died after she was infected by the novel coronavirus, chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Monday. It marked the second death as a result of the illness at the seniors’ home after a woman in her 80s died last week.
Thirty-six residents and five staff members there have either tested positive for COVID -19 or are considered probable cases, according to Hinshaw.
She also announced Monday that a man in his 80s at Edmonton’s Rosedale on the Park seniors home had died after he was infected by the virus. Six cases have been confirmed at Edmonton’s Shepherd’s Care Kensington Village long-term care home.
“These are worrying numbers. We must redouble our efforts to protect those who are most vulnerable to the effects of this virus,” Hinshaw said. “I ask all those who work or live in these or other seniors’ facilities to follow all guidelines and take care of yourself and others in this difficult time. Please remember, following the public health guidance will save lives.”
One woman whose father tested positive for COVID -19 at the Calgary facility said the outbreak was predictable, due to the close quarters in which residents find themselves. But she said her father, who is in his early 70s, is now being kept isolated in his room like all those there who have tested positive for the coronavirus or shown possible symptoms.
“It was bound to happen kind of sooner than later,” said the woman, who Postmedia has agreed not to identify.
“There’s not really much anyone can do, other than just make them comfortable. I think the staff are doing the best they can.”
She said her father has a cough and a sore throat, but is managing well.
“We’re just trying to stay positive,” she said.
An online petition is calling on the province to ensure all residents at the facility are tested for COVID -19.
Asked if the outbreak at Mckenzie Towne is under control, or whether there exists a need for further resources there to contain it, Hinshaw said she is confident in the judgment of public health officials in Alberta Health Services’ Calgary zone.
She added those on the front lines are working hard to contain outbreaks at multiple long-term care homes in the province.
“We’ve had a couple of outbreaks in seniors’ facilities,” she said. “These are very vulnerable people who live in these facilities so we are watching closely to see what happens there.”
But some family members of residents at the Mckenzie Towne home have pointed to limited staffing as an issue.
Revera Living, which operates the facility, has previously stated it does not have enough staff to take further precautions like having all residents eat their meals in their own rooms, instead of the dining hall.
“Long-term-care homes do not have enough staff, or enough time, to do individual supervised feedings of all residents in their rooms,” Revera spokesperson Larry Roberts previously said. “And the choking risk is also too high to leave a tray of food for residents alone in their rooms.”
Revera did not provide further comment on Monday in response to a request from Postmedia.
AHS vice-president Dr. Mark Joffe said health officials have “had intensive discussions” about other further precautions.
As many staff work in more than one facility, he said the province has considered a potential restriction that would limit the number of seniors’ homes where staff can work in an attempt to stop the spread from one seniors’ home to another.
So far, AHS has decided not to take that step, he said. But staff members with symptoms are expected to self-isolate, while facilities are required to screen staff for possible symptoms each time they enter a home.
“We have had to consider what the options may be and whether restricting individuals to working in just one facility is feasible because if we do that, we might impact the care that individuals in other facilities might receive,” Joffe said.