After pursuing universal testing in all of its long-term care (LTC) facilities, Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) is reporting one possible COVID-19 case in a staff member working at Grey Gables in Markdale.
“The staff member who tested positive is asymptomatic and is being retested to ensure it is not a false positive. Public health has not declared an outbreak while this test is under investigation. All other staff at the home have tested negative,” said Jennifer Cornell, Grey County’s director of LTC in a news release.
Results of the new test are expected later today. An outbreak declaration will be made if the positive test results are confirmed.
“We’re taking this positive test result seriously. Physical distancing strategies and intense infection control protocols are already in place to prevent transmissions in the home,” Cornell said.
There are 95 staff members employed at Grey Gables.
GBHU confirms that all outbreak protocols, case management and contact tracing activities are in place to ensure safety while awaiting the retest. All staff, residents and family members have been notified.
“We appreciate public health’s guidance as we face this challenge and wait for the results of the second round of testing. We’re thankful all other tests of our Grey Gables residents and staff have been negative,” Cornell continued.
Universal testing was conducted last week at all three GBHU long-term care facilities. Rockwood Terrace and Lee Manor have both confirmed that all test results in staff and residents have returned negative for COVID-19.
In alignment with provincial requirements, GBHU has also announced that it will be expanding the eligibility for COVID-19 testing.
Testing is available for anyone exhibiting any new or worsening respiratory symptoms, regardless of the risk factors that were previously part of the testing criteria.
Assessment is available at the Owen Sound Regional Hospital, the Kincardine Hospital and the Hanover & District Hospital.
At-home assessment is also available for those that meet criteria but are unable to get to their local testing assessment centre.
Residents interested in at-home testing must call the GBHU at 1-800-263-3456 extension 3000 to undergo screening to ensure eligibility.
GBHU has confirmed 92 cases of COVID-19 in the region since the start of the pandemic. There have been no deaths, and there are currently no hospitalizations. Of the cases reported, 78 people have recovered.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Grey County include - Owen Sound (45); Southgate (10); Grey Highlands (6); West Grey (5); Blue Mountains (5); Georgian Bluffs (1); Meaford (1); Chatsworth (1); Hanover (0). Bruce County currently has 18 confirmed cases.
