Deadly outbreak ends at veterans’ care home

The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre has marked a bittersweet milestone: a COVID-19 outbreak at the home has been declared over after 11 resident deaths and 55 confirmed cases among residents and staff.

The outbreak at the 450-bed home began April 15, according to Ottawa Public Health. The first positive cases at Perley Rideau showed up among staff — ultimately, 34 were infected. All have recovered and been “warmly welcomed back to the Perley Rideau community,” according to the home.

For the 21 residents who tested positive for COVID-19, the outcomes were significantly more severe. Eleven died, and only 10 recovered.

“On behalf of the entire Perley Rideau community, I express our deepest sympathies to the families, friends and caregivers of those residents,” CEO Akos Hoffer said in a public statement.

With the outbreak over, residents will now be allowed “to move freely” through the courtyards and health centre while respecting physical distancing, and return to eating in the dining room on a staggered schedule.

“Now that our residents and staff are free of COVID-19 and some community restrictions are beginning to lift, the no-visitors policy is increasingly being questioned,” Hoffer acknowledged in his statement. However, he pointed out that the first six residents to test positive during the outbreak did not show any symptoms.

“An invisible enemy had to be confronted. The virus continues to spread outside our village.

“The fact is: although we long for the days of open visitor access and extended stays, this virus will be with us for some time and it is unlikely that we will be able to freely welcome visitors again in the near future.”

That said, Hoffer pledged to work with the government on the home’s visitation policy as understanding of COVID -19 evolves, and to consult with the community and medical officials.

“Our community will take the time to remember and grieve for the residents we lost to this virus,” Hoffer said. “We will reflect on a hard-fought battle in a long and drawn-out war. I’m proud of how the Perley Rideau community — residents, staff, as well as their families and friends — continues to pull together during this extraordinary time.” tblewett@postmedia.com