Fairmount Home staff member tests positive for COVID-19

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, the County of Frontenac learned that a staff member at Fairmount Home has tested positive for COVID-19.

According to Frontenac County, that staff member is self-isolating and “receiving any necessary treatment.” Both staff and residents at Fairmount Home for any symptoms of COVID-19, the County said in a press release.

Calling the incident “serious, but not unanticipated,” the County said that Fairmount staff are well prepared for the situation and have implemented full outbreak protocols, taking steps to protect staff and residents from the virus and further spread of infection. All Fairmount staff who might have been exposed to the virus, but are not exhibiting symptoms, are self-isolating as a precautionary measure. The long-term care home has contacted resident families to keep them informed of the new developments, the County said.

“We had hoped to avoid this contingency at Fairmount, but we put the time we had to good use preparing for this to happen,” said Kelly Pender, Frontenac County CAO, in a statement. “We have plans in place to adapt to the absence of the staff members who are in isolation and we have the benefit of some hindsight and experience. We are taking every step to ensure the outbreak is contained, and we’re doing it without compromising the high level of care and respect we expect for our residents.”

Fairmount Home is continuing to work closely with KFL&A Public Health officials, who are currently following up and tracking contacts to contain the outbreak.