COVID-19 Testing Completed in All Local Seniors’ Residences
Written by Communications, May 13, 2020
More Than 3,500 Residents and Staff Tested in 20 Facilities
Today Peterborough Public Health reported the completion of COVID-19 testing for residents and staff in 20 local seniors’ residences.
“This work was already underway before the Premier’s April 21 directive, and thanks to the tremendous support of our local healthcare partners, we were able to go above and beyond the Ministry’s request and include retirement homes in our surveillance testing as well,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.
Dr. Salvaterra noted that in collaboration with the PRHC Assessment Centre, Peterborough Paramedics and the facilities themselves, more than 3,560 residents and staff were tested for COVID-19 over the past three weeks. This included eight licensed long-term care homes, 11 retirement homes, and the Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph’s.
“The low number of positive cases detected is good news for our seniors and reflects the strong infection prevention and control practices at these facilities where testing occurred,” Dr. Salvaterra explained. “We commend our healthcare partners locally and across the province for their continuing efforts to protect this vulnerable population from COVID-19.”
Local test results are still being received, but the few positive cases identified so far have been followed up by Peterborough Public Health to ensure individuals self-isolate and their close contacts are identified. One outbreak was declared on May 11 at Kawartha Heights Retirement Living based on a single positive case in a staff member discovered during the surveillance. Peterborough Public Health staff are supporting the facility in managing the outbreak, which Dr. Salvaterra described as “well under control.”
According to a recent report by the Institute for Evaluative Clinical Sciences (ICES), as of April 30, 2020, Peterborough Public Health had one of the highest per capital rate of COVID-19 testing in the province.
COVID-19 testing is available seven days a week for anyone with symptoms by contacting the PRHC Assessment Centre at 705-876-5086. In-home testing may also be arranged by calling Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 or emailing covid19@peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391