Today the Grey Bruce Health Unit is reporting the first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in a Bruce County long-term care facility. Under the direction of the Ministry of Health, a single laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 in a resident or staff member is considered a Confirmed COVID-19 Outbreak for a facility. There are currently two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in staff members of Brucelea Haven Long-Term Care Home located in Walkerton. To date there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Gateway Haven Long-Term Care Home located in Wiarton.

As per provincial regulation, when a single staff or resident in a long-term care / retirement home test positive for COVID-19, an outbreak is declared. As is also required by provincial regulation, all outbreaks are posted on the Grey Bruce Health Unit’s website:https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Health/Infectious-Diseases/Outbreaks

As such, an outbreak has been declared at Brucelea Haven in Walkerton in relation to positive test results. Public Health is in direct contact and is working with the facility to ensure all outbreak protocols are being followed to reduce any transmission. This includes putting the home under strict isolation as per the provincial directives during an outbreak.

Testing of all residents and staff is underway.

Daily updates are made available via the Situation Report, which is updated daily on the Health Unit’s website at: https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/

“Bruce County is doing everything possible to keep residents and staff safe as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at our long-term care homes.” states Warden Mitch Twolan Individuals who suspect they have COVID-19 or are wondering if they should be tested should consult Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool. If you need further assistance, call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or your health care provider.

To protect yourself against COVID-19:
• Wash your hands with soap and water (at least 20 seconds) regularly and often
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of the tissue and wash your hands
• Keep surfaces clean and disinfected
• Stay home when you are sick
• Keep 2 metre physical distance between yourself and others

source: media release, Bruce County