The County of Elgin is reporting this afternoon (Saturday) a staff member at Terrace Lodge in Aylmer has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member is now self-isolating at home and there are no other reported cases of COVID-19 among staff or residents at Terrace Lodge.
Terrace Lodge staff are working with Southwestern Public Health on outbreak management and to identify who the staff member has been in contact with. Residents, staff and community members who are determined to be at risk are being contacted to prevent further spread of illness in the home or in the community. Family members of residents have been notified and the home’s medical team is closely monitoring the health of residents.
Elgin County Warden Dave Mennill says the female staff member had not exhibited any signs of the coronavirus.
Mennill notes visitors are still being allowed at the county’s other two long-term care homes, Elgin Manor and Bobier Villa.
The Terrace Lodge case comes at a time when Aylmer and Bayham have experienced significant spikes in confirmed cases. As of today, there are now 32 cases in Aylmer and another 12 in Bayham. Mennill says in conversations with Southwestern Public Health, it was expected there might be an increase in numbers as the province moves into Stage 3 of re-opening.
“We know that COVID-19 is particularly serious in older and frail individuals, especially for those who have other medical conditions. We assess risk of infection for the residents and care providers and have put in place additional safeguards to lessen the potential for transfer of COVID-19,” says Michele Harris, Director of Homes and Seniors Services.
