August 30, 2020
Homesteader Lodge, located in the Village of Hines Creek, first entered outbreak status on August 22, 2020, due to one confirmed positive case of COVID-19. Residents and families were notified at that time.
Testing of all residents and staff at the Homesteader Lodge occurred on August 23, 2020. Resident test results were received on the morning of August 29, 2020.
Test results have confirmed 8 positive cases of COVID-19 among the residents at the Homesteader Lodge, 6 of which are asymptomatic. Additionally, we have been notified that a resident who passed away on August 23, also tested positive for the virus; however, we do not know the confirmed cause of death. We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased; you are in our thoughts.
Currently, North Peace Housing Foundation has one staff member who has tested positive (has been isolating since the 17th of August and originally tested negative), and one staff member isolating as a precautionary measure.
In light of the current circumstances and the number of positive cases both in the Lodge and in the surrounding community, North Peace Housing will be isolating all the residents of the Homesteader Lodge for 14 days in order to contain the spread of this deadly virus. This is an unfortunate turn of events for all concerned, but we feel this step is very necessary under the circumstances.
Due to our current situation, and until further notice, only designated family/support visits will be scheduled, in advance, inside the building if the resident wishes to have a visitor. Where there is a difference in desire for visits between a resident and their family/visitors, the resident’s preferences will be paramount. Each request for a scheduled visit will be managed on a case by case basis and all options for continued access to the resident will be evaluated following Public Health guidance. All restrictions will be monitored and re-evaluated within 14 days of implementation, or as required.
NPHF will continue to support virtual connections at all times, but particularly in times of restricted access when the physical presence of a designated family/support person may not be possible. Virtual connections include Zoom Calls, Facetime, or the resident’s preferred method.
While in outbreak status, the following measures have been put in place:
Tammy Menssa
Executive Director
Testing of all residents and staff at the Homesteader Lodge occurred on August 23, 2020. Resident test results were received on the morning of August 29, 2020.
Test results have confirmed 8 positive cases of COVID-19 among the residents at the Homesteader Lodge, 6 of which are asymptomatic. Additionally, we have been notified that a resident who passed away on August 23, also tested positive for the virus; however, we do not know the confirmed cause of death. We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased; you are in our thoughts.
Currently, North Peace Housing Foundation has one staff member who has tested positive (has been isolating since the 17th of August and originally tested negative), and one staff member isolating as a precautionary measure.
In light of the current circumstances and the number of positive cases both in the Lodge and in the surrounding community, North Peace Housing will be isolating all the residents of the Homesteader Lodge for 14 days in order to contain the spread of this deadly virus. This is an unfortunate turn of events for all concerned, but we feel this step is very necessary under the circumstances.
Due to our current situation, and until further notice, only designated family/support visits will be scheduled, in advance, inside the building if the resident wishes to have a visitor. Where there is a difference in desire for visits between a resident and their family/visitors, the resident’s preferences will be paramount. Each request for a scheduled visit will be managed on a case by case basis and all options for continued access to the resident will be evaluated following Public Health guidance. All restrictions will be monitored and re-evaluated within 14 days of implementation, or as required.
NPHF will continue to support virtual connections at all times, but particularly in times of restricted access when the physical presence of a designated family/support person may not be possible. Virtual connections include Zoom Calls, Facetime, or the resident’s preferred method.
While in outbreak status, the following measures have been put in place:
- NPHF Staff are limited to working in only one building during a confirmed outbreak.
- Any staff member feeling unwell, and/or who may have come into contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or who has recently been tested MUST disclose this information to their supervisor. Doing so will not result in dismissal or job loss.
- All residents will be screened for symptoms twice daily. Results will be documented.
- Residents and staff have been advised to increase their self-checks to twice daily.
- Any individual (staff or resident) showing COVID-19 symptoms will be required to isolate as per the latest Order issued by Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
- All staff with direct resident contact, or who are working in common areas within 6 feet of any resident or other staff, must wear a mask. Use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) will be directed according to the Outbreak protocol.
- All meals will be delivered to the rooms of all residents in isolation.
- Residents in isolation must not leave their rooms (even if they feel better and have no symptoms) until they are cleared by Public Health.
- All resident recreational/group activities have been cancelled for the duration of the confirmed Outbreak.
- Staff schedules will be reviewed regularly to ensure that appropriate staffing levels are maintained during this confirmed Outbreak.
- Hairdressing services are not permitted while in outbreak status.
- New admissions into the Lodge will not be permitted, unless at the explicit direction of the Zone Medical Officer of Health.
- Cleaning and disinfection will continue to be performed at least once per day on all low touch surfaces (e.g., shelves, benches, windowsills, message or white boards, etc.) and any high touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, call bells, handrails, phones, elevator buttons, TV remote), common areas, dining areas and lounges, to a minimum of three times daily.
- Gifts will no longer be accepted.
Tammy Menssa
Executive Director