A resident, in their 80’s at St. Joseph’s Villa long-term care centre in Sudbury, has tested positive for COVID-19.
An outbreak was declared at the facility on Sunday after news broke that a staff member had tested positive for the virus. This new case represented the 46th confirmed instance of COVID-19 in the Public Health Sudbury and Districts.
“I am pleased to report that the resident is doing well and has no symptoms. She remains in self-isolation,” said Jo-Anne Palkovits, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Centre. “We understand this is very worrisome news to hear; however, we want to reassure our staff, residents and their families that the risk of infection throughout our facility remains low. The safety of our residents, and staff, remains our number one priority.”
Officials say after the announcement of the outbreak, all 64 patients who live on the first floor of the Villa, where the employee worked, have been tested. Of those tests, only one came back as positive. All staff who were in close contact of their co-worker were also tested.
“We continue to work very closely with St. Joseph’s Health Centre to manage the outbreak and to ensure additional control measures are put in place to limit the spread of infection,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
Officials add that residents have been following strict physical distancing guidelines. Group activities have been discontinued and residents have been eating all of their meals in their own rooms away from others. All staff and essential visitors must wear masks, gowns, goggles and gloves.