A Petrolia nursing home has declared an outbreak after one of its staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
Officials at Lambton Meadowview Villa said the administration was informed of the diagnosis on Wednesday, and has informed the employee's family and Lambton Public Health. While the employee's position has not been revealed, the nursing home said the staff member ceased providing care to residents once they developed symptoms.
Meadowview is home to 125 people and employs almost 200 staff members.
"Our concern for the people who live at Lambton Meadowview Villa and their families, is at the forefronts of our minds and we are diligently following all of the policies and protocols put in place by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Long-Term Care," said Jane Joris, Lambton County's general manager of Long-Term Care Division. "We are also working closely with Lambton Public Health and following the guidance that is provided to us."
Lambton Public Health is now in the process of tracing the employee's close contacts to inform them and provide guidance.
Meadowview has been restricting visitors since March 13 and is screening all staff entering the building since March 19.
As of Wednesday morning, Lambton Public Health said there were 119 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sarnia-Lambton, 11 of which have died.
As per the Ministry of Health, a single laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in a resident or a staff member is considered an outbreak at facilities such as long-term care homes.