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Another COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at a Regina care home that saw 39 people die and more than 200 positive cases among staff and residents.
At least two people have tested positive so far according to the care home.
The new cases have prompted the care home to restrict visitation for the time being.
A sign prohibiting visitors on the front doors of Parkside Extendicare in Regina. (Logan Stein/980 CJME)
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) took over the administration of all of the Extendicare homes in the province for 30 days beginning Aug. 5.
This came after a report from Saskatchewan’s Ombudsman looked into the details of what happened before and during the deadly outbreak in the Regina care home. The report found numerous problems from start to finish and is critical of all three parties involved – Extendicare, the SHA and the Ministry of Health.
Allegations against the facility cited a lack of personal protective equipment like masks, overcrowded resident rooms and inconsistent cleaning.
The Parkside outbreak remains the worst to happen in a care home in the province.
Cases at care homes restrict visits to end-of-life
An increase in COVID-19 cases — with “multiple cases” now present in “a number of (long-term care) homes” — in Regina has caused restrictions on visitors.
Family presence has been moved to a Level 3, according to a Monday release from the Saskatchewan Health Authority. This means visitors will only be allowed for those receiving end-of-life care in care homes.
“The safety of residents, their families and staff at these homes remains our highest priority,” said physician executive Dr. Rashaad Hansia. “Communication with all those immediately impacted has been occurring throughout the weekend to ensure they are aware of the increased level of risk, and how we are addressing it.”
Outbreaks are now confirmed or suspected, affecting both residences and staff, at Regina Lutheran Home, Santa Maria, Extendicare Elmview, Extendicare Parkside, Extendicare Sunset, Regina Pioneer Village and the long-term care unit at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre.
The release stated that most of those infected by COVID-19 at these facilities have not been displaying symptoms, nor have required hospitalization.
Testing at homes is reportedly ongoing for staff and residents. No numbers are currently available to indicate how many have been infected by these outbreaks.
During a press conference Monday, Hansia said the SHA is dealing with the outbreaks using an “abundance of caution.”
HEPA fans have been introduced into homes to increase air circulation as a means to “protect the most vulnerable,” according to the release. All health care workers are required to wear N95 respirators at all times in the homes. Residents may be relocated to protect them from getting ill should the need arise.
“Additionally, and out of an abundance of caution, each home may be adopting further measures to deal with the outbreak, based on their situation,” the release reads. “All are well supplied with necessary personal protective equipment.”
Vaccination rates for residents in long-term care are high, with many having more than 90 per cent of residents fully vaccinated.
Those impacted by the restrictions on family presence are reminded to pay attention to their mental health and that of those around them. Anyone who needs to seek help for this is reminded to speak to their health care provider or call HealthLine 811.
Dr. Lanre Medu, medical health officer, said the SHA is continuing to review and assess each case as it happens.
“In our early assessment, there is no one clear incident that has been identified as a catalyst for the new cases,” Medu said.
“These latest cases underscore the fact that COVID-19 continues to be present in our community. We urge vaccination for everyone that is eligible, as soon as possible.”
980 CJME has reached out to Extendicare as well as the SHA for comment on how many people are infected as well as whether or not they were vaccinated.
More to come…