Back to SearchKFL&A Public Health is recognizing area long-term care homes and health care workers for their collaboration in making the COVID-19 long-term care home surveillance testing such a success. On April 29, 2020, KFL&A Public Health announced COVID-19 targeted surveillance testing for all residents and staff in the 12 long-term care homes in its jurisdiction. The testing is part of the provincial surveillance initiative to get a point-in-time picture of COVID-19 in long-term care homes. Locally the testing was completed on Friday, May 15, 2020 as per the provincial deadline.
“Long-term care staff recognize the critical importance of protecting their vulnerable residents. The leadership and staff have pulled out all the stops to have everyone tested, while continuing to manage and work in stressful situations,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health with KFL&A Public Health. “This is an enormous effort, involving many partners, including private and public labs, Lennox & Addington County General Hospital, Frontenac Paramedic Services, and the COVID-19 assessment centre, in addition to the homes themselves. This has been a well-oiled machine—all working shoulder to shoulder to protect the most vulnerable in our community and I am very proud of this work,” said Dr. Kieran Moore.
To date, the targeted surveillance resulted in no new cases. Prior to the targeted surveillance, there had been one declared long-term care home outbreak in KFL&A where one health care worker had tested positive with no residents testing positive.
In addition to the long-term care home surveillance, KFL&A Public Health completed targeted surveillance for staff working in area emergency child care centres currently open for essential workers. All staff from four facilities have been tested, resulting in no new cases. This targeted surveillance was also part of the overall provincial testing plan.
Residents are reminded that testing is available to anyone in the KFL&A region with symptoms of COVID-19. If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, visit an assessment centre or use the online self-assessment tool to see if you need to seek further care.
For the most up to date information on COVID-19, visit www.Kflaph.ca/Coronavirus or www.Ontario.ca/covid-19.
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