October 14, 2024- Birch Home area under Enhanced Surveillance

Public Health has placed the Birch home area in enhanced surveillance for respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, hoarse voice, and/or sore throat. We have two (2) resident cases at this time. We will continue to monitor and update with any further information. Family members of those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented:

• Surgical Masks to be worn in the Birch Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• Twice daily respiratory symptom screening in Birch Home Area
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of staff, when possible.
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to 1-minute contact time
• Increased hand hygiene and PPE audits in the home area with coaching
• No impact on visiting at this time

Please ensure that you are following the IPAC practices listed above as they are in place to protect residents, staff, essential caregivers, and visitors.

If you have any questions, please contact the registered nurse at the home.