News

St. Joseph's Care Group is Taking Proactive Steps to Protect Residents in Long-Term Care

Date: 2020-04-24

St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG) is taking additional steps to protect our residents in long-term care. Starting this week, all residents and staff of Hogarth Riverview Manor and Bethammi Nursing Home are being tested for COVID-19.

This precautionary measure, known as ‘surveillance testing,’ means that residents and staff without symptoms will also be tested (residents and staff who have any symptoms are already being tested).  Surveillance provides us with an earlier indication if COVID-19 is present.  It also lets us know if the preventative measures put in place have been effective.

“We have seen the devastating effects that COVID-19 has had in long-term care homes in other parts of Ontario, and our hearts go out to the residents, their families and staff,” said Tracy Buckler, SJCG’s President & CEO.  “Implementing surveillance testing, coupled with the testing already done as a result of active screening, will give us a more comprehensive picture of the wellbeing of residents and staff.  We have to do everything we can to identify COVID-19 before it spreads anywhere. Our residents and their loved ones are counting on us.”

Staff will contact residents’ families to let them know when their loved one is being tested, and will again contact them once the test results are received.  Timelines for receiving test results can vary, though we expect to be able to contact families within three to five business days with test results.

For information on COVID-19 in our region, visit the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.

For information on SJCG’s response to COVID-19, visit sjcg.net or follow us on Facebook.

Quick Facts:

• COVID-19 surveillance testing will take place for all staff and residents at Hogarth Riverview Manor and Bethammi Nursing Home
• All residents of Hogarth Riverview Manor and Bethammi Nursing Home are screened twice per day for any symptoms of COVID-19, including having their temperature taken
• Long-term care staff are screened prior to entering the homes, have their temperature checked twice per shift, and wear surgical (procedure) masks for the duration of their shift
• Staff in long-term care are restricted to working at one location
• Visitor restrictions have been in place since March 11, 2020