Outbreak declared over at Pinecrest Nursing home

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A COVID-19 outbreak at a long term care home in Bobcaygeon, which saw 28 people die, has been declared over. Pinecrest Nursing Home declared the end of their outbreak, on Thursday, May 14th. The outbreak at this nursing home had been declared on Wednesday, March 18th. “Public Health confirmed, with our Director of Care that all residents have been free of symptoms for 14 or more days,” Mary Carr, Pinecrest’s Administrator, stated in a press release. “Despite today’s positive news, all ongoing infection control and prevention measures will remain in place to ensure the continued health and safety of our residents and staff. The home will remain closed to non-essential visitors, and meals will continue to be served to residents in their rooms. We’ll continue our daily screening procedures, and residents will be asked to remain in their rooms unless out for walks. We are continuing to deep clean all resident areas in the building, thanks to the support of Ross Memorial Hospital’s Environmental Services team, and asking our staff to continue to wear full PPE during this process.” Ms. Carr also acknowledged the significant losses from this outbreak. “Today is a day to remember the residents who are no longer with us due to COVID-19. It is not yet safe for all of us to come together, but when we are able to, we will commemorate each resident and celebrate their positive impact on our community.” She was able to provide a further update through a press release, on Tuesday, May 19th. “The team from Ross Memorial Hospital will continue to support our staff this week with hospital grade cleaning. We are grateful for this ongoing support and remain steadfast in ensuring that all ongoing care directives remain firmly in place within our home,” she wrote. “Residents were visited by mini horses, this morning during breakfast, and were able to watch them through the windows of our home. We look forward to more moments, like this in the future, filled with sunshine and laughter.”