HHHS Confirms COVID-19 Outbreak Decalred at Hyland Crest, Long-Term Care Home

According to guidance from the Ministry of Health for Long-Term Care homes, if one staff member or resident has a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, this must be considered an ‘outbreak’. Accordingly, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR DHU) has officially declared Hyland Crest Long-Term Care to be in a COVID-19 Outbreak.

Upon testing positive, the staff member immediately began to self-isolate at home and did not return to work at Hyland Crest. HHHS also began to work with the HKPR DHU to manage the situation and identify anyone who may have been exposed, in order to prevent further spread.

Outbreak protocols are now being implemented at Hyland Crest, including: immediate testing of all residents and potentially exposed individuals; isolating all residents to their rooms; and postponing admissions, as well as limited readmissions, discharges and/or transfers.

These protocols are in addition to the stringent Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures that that have been in place for over a year including: ensuring staff work in only one Long-Term Care facility; actively screening all staff and essential visitors upon entry to the buildings; conducting regular surveillance testing of all Long-Term Care staff and residents; limiting visitors to only those deemed as ‘essential caregivers’ who must undergo regular COVID-19 testing; and ensuring adequate supply and proper use of personal protective equipment at all times.

“As I have said in the past, we know that COVID-19 is a very contagious virus, and even with all of the most rigorous infection prevention and control measures, cases like this can occur,” said Carolyn Plummer, President and CEO of HHHS. “HHHS will continue to deliver the best care and support possible to our Long-Term Care residents and their families, and we remain deeply grateful to our staff and management teams for their hard work and dedication to the infection prevention and control measures that have been part of their daily lives for over a year.”

HHHS will continue to monitor this case and Hyland Crest Long-Term Care, work with the HKPR DHU to minimize potential spread at Hyland Crest Long-Term Care, and provide updates to the community. HHHS remains committed to providing transparency and a safe environment for residents and staff.