Riverview Gardens.  (File photo by Natalia Vega)Riverview Gardens. (File photo by Natalia Vega)
Chatham

Three outbreaks, one in hospital as more COVID-19 cases reported

Chatham-Kent Public Health is reporting more cases of COVID-19.

The health unit reported nine new cases on Thursday afternoon and five recovered individuals to bring the number of active cases up by four to 44. Health unit officials also said one local person has been admitted to the hospital with the virus. The outbreaks at Riverview Gardens long term care home in Chatham, St. Anne Catholic School in Blenheim, and an unidentified workplace continue.

A second outbreak at Riverview Gardens was declared by CK Public Health on Wednesday afternoon. Riverview Gardens had its first outbreak from December 1 until December 19 when two staff members tested positive for the virus. The latest outbreak at Riverview Gardens is in the 3 East wing and it was declared when an employee tested positive for COVID-19. There are currently no residents with COVID-19. The long term care home said in a Facebook post the employee and any close contacts are self isolating.

Riverview Gardens officials are asking people to not visit if possible even though general visiting is currently allowed on other units. The current visiting rules for 3 East only are as follows: - General visitors are not allowed on 3 East during the outbreak - One Caregiver at a time can visit a resident. The Yellow Caregiver button must be worn while on site. - The Caregiver will wear full personal protective equipment on the unit, provided by the home

Riverview Gardens has been told by its long term care association that long term care homes in all parts of the province will need to meet the requirements and restrictions currently required of homes in Grey-Lockdown zones when a province-wide lockdown begins on Saturday. This includes weekly staff, student and volunteer testing, visitor restrictions of one essential caregiver per resident at a time, and no general visitors permitted. Essential visitors will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result in the past week and verbally attest to not subsequently testing positive. Residents will not be allowed to leave the home except for medical or compassionate reasons.

Read More Local Stories