The County of Simcoe has confirmed another life has been lost as a result of COVID-19 at Simcoe Manor, bringing the death toll to five.
The Beeton long-term care facility reported 37 residents and 22 staff have tested positive for the virus since the outbreak was declared on September 29. Two residents are in hospital for treatment of COVID-19 symptoms.
“We are now working with our local hospital in rapid testing equipment, just confirmed today,” added Sinclair. “It’s become available to us and so we’re really pleased to be able to move forward with our testing and receive test results in a much more rapid fashion, which will really help us ensure that we’re putting measures in place as quickly as possible.”
Management of the facility was recently handed over to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, after its operators issued a call for help in dealing with the outbreak. The change in management came about via a Mandatory Management Order from the Ministry of Long-Term Care late last week.
“Our government’s top priority is to keep Ontarians safe, especially our long-term care home residents who are most vulnerable,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. “I thank the dedicated staff at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and Simcoe Manor for working together to end the COVID-19 outbreaks.”
The facility has 126 beds, 116 of which are in use.
