Helen Henderson Care Centre resident tests positive for COVID-19
Gibson Family Healthcare, the operator of Helen Henderson Care Centre in Amherstview, says a resident of the retirement home has tested positive for COVID-19.
“Today we learned from KFL&A Public Health that one resident at Helen Henderson Care Centre has tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is asymptomatic and self-isolating,” the company said in an advisory on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
The company says that in addition to the resident case, Public Health has also deemed a staff member at the retirement home to be a positive case, despite that staff member receiving a negative swab. According to the company, this staff member remains asymptomatic and is self-isolating.
“We are working closely with KFL&A Public Health to manage this outbreak,” said the company. “Infection control measures under the Long-Term Care Home Act have been put in place to manage the outbreak and are being monitored by KFL&A Public Health.”
Gibson Family Healthcare said that while very serious, this is not an unanticipated turn-of-events, and that Helen Henderson Care Centre staff were prepared for the eventuality of a positive COVID-19 case within the home.
“We have implemented full outbreak protocols and are taking every step to protect our residents and staff from the effects of the disease and from further spread of infection,” said company in the advisory. “Helen Henderson Care Centre staff who might have been exposed, but who exhibit no symptoms, are self-isolating. We have been in contact with resident families to keep them apprised of new developments as they happen, and to offer our support during this difficult time.”
“In the last seven months, we have put the necessary policies, procedures and education in place so that we would be prepared for the day a positive case came to our home,” said Lisa Gibson-Burgess, Administrator and Owner of Helen Henderson Care Centre. “We will make every effort to contain the virus from spreading to protect our residents and staff.”
Visitation and outings are now postponed for general visitations and Essential Visitors are one-person per resident.