Residents of a wing at Riverview Gardens Long Term Care home in Chatham are in isolation due to COVID-19.
Riverview officials said in a statement Thursday morning that two employees have tested positive for the virus. They said the workers caught the virus outside of the facility and the cases are unrelated. One of the employees was identified through routine on-site rapid-antigen testing. It's unknown if the employees were vaccinated against COVID-19. Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said an outbreak has not been declared because there's no transmission within the facility.
The home said 6 East is in isolation right now and as a result, only one visitor is allowed each visit, general visitors are not allowed, residents must stay in their rooms, and full personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the home must be worn while on 6 East. It's not clear how many residents are in isolation.
"Anyone not wearing PPE appropriately with mask over nose and mouth at all times will be required to speak to Administration prior to re-entering the building. This includes while sitting in a room with a loved one. Visiting privileges may be revoked. This is for everyone’s protection," wrote Riverview Gardens administration.
Administration said there are no changes at this time for the other units and general visiting is allowed at them.
Riverview Gardens said it is taking all precautions recommended by Chatham-Kent Public Health.
"Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been committed to exceptional infection control protocols: everyone wearing masks, frequent hand hygiene, increased disinfecting of surfaces. Be assured everyone’s safety is our top priority," the statement read.
Riverview officials are urging people to consider getting immunized against COVID-19 if they are not vaccinated because case numbers are rising in the community. A link to Chatham-Kent vaccine clinics can be found here.