McCormick Care Group – COVID-19 Update

Thursday, April 9, 2020

This is a McCormick Care Group – COVID-19 Update for Thursday, April 9, 2020.  We will continue to provide these updates every Monday, Wednesday and Friday as needed.

There are no probable or suspected cases of COVID-19 among our residents or staff at this time.

We have received a directive from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, quoted as follows:

Long-term care homes should immediately implement that all staff and essential visitors wear surgical/procedure masks at all times for the duration of full shifts or visits in the long-term care home. For further clarity this is required regardless of whether the home is in outbreak or not. During breaks, staff may remove their surgical/procedure mask but must remain two metres away from other staff to prevent staff to staff transmission of COVID-19.  

In addition, the ministry states the following regarding new admissions or re-admissions who are asymptomatic: Testing of asymptomatic new admissions or re-admissions to a long-term care home or retirement home should be performed within the first 14 days under the direction of the overseeing clinician. Patients transferred from hospital to a long-term care home should be tested prior to the transfer. A negative result does not rule out the potential for incubating illness and all patients should remain under a 14-day self-isolation period following transfer. 

As a reminder, the ministry has launched the Family Support and Action Line for long-term care families, staff, residents and the general public to receive information and to raise concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The number is 1-866-434-0144 and is available between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Thank you and stay safe.