Today Peterborough Public Health reported the first case of COVID-19 in a local long-term care home.
One resident has tested positive, while two others have respiratory symptoms. Both of these have tested negative. All three are residents of St. Joseph’s at Fleming in Peterborough and are in isolation at the facility. One staff member who also had symptoms and was referred to community paramedics for in-home testing last evening where they will remain in self-isolation.
Peterborough Public Health is investigating to determine if there is an epidemiological link to travel or other known COVID-19 cases.
“We know St. Joseph’s at Fleming is taking the right measures to keep residents as safe as possible from the spread of this infection,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Older adults are more at risk to severe illness caused by COVID-19 so this serves as a strong reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our most vulnerable residents.”
Visitation to the facility has been restricted since March 14, 2020 based on the direction of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Our nurses will continue to support St. Joseph’s at Fleming in controlling this outbreak, and we all need to do our part by staying home and not visiting anyone at this time, especially seniors or anyone who is immunocompromised,” said Dr. Salvaterra.
People with health-related questions about COVID-19 are encouraged to call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 or email . After these hours, people can call Telehealth Ontario for medical advice at 1-866-797-0000.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.