Extendicare outbreak: 14 residents, 7 staff test positive for COVID-19

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Further information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak at the Mayerthorpe Extendicare has become available.

Out of the 45 residents who live at the facility, 14 have tested positive for COVID-19. Seven staff members have also tested positive, one already being listed as recovered, according to the company that operates the facility.

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Extendicare outbreak: 14 residents, 7 staff test positive for COVID-19 Back to video

The Mayerthorpe Freelancer was able to confirm the outbreak Oct. 26, after reaching out to the facility’s communication team in Ontario.  The outbreak was not listed on the Alberta government’s website as having an outbreak until Oct. 30.

Tom McMillan, assistant director of communications for Alberta Health, said outbreaks at continuing care facilities are posted as soon as there are two or more cases.

“There can be sometimes be a brief delay in the information being shared with Alberta Health,” he wrote in a response email to the Freelancer.

When the Freelancer interviewed McMillan, the Alberta Health records showed that eight cases had been reported. When asked why there was a discrepancy between the numbers from the Extendicare company and AHS, McMillan said there were many reasons.

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“The facility may have been notified of cases that have not yet been linked in the provincial reporting system, or counting cases that are not yet confirmed,” he said.

“We will update Albertans as we are notified of additional cases in this, or any other outbreak,” added McMillan. “We are committed to transparency and sharing information with Albertans as soon as we receive it.”

The Extendicare Communications email said the facility staff are working closely with Alberta Health Services and the North Zone medical officer of health to combat the outbreak.

“AHS has been supporting the home with regular compliance reviews, infection prevention and control reviews, and daily resident and staff status checks,” said the email.

All active cases are currently receiving treatment and are isolated.

“All affected residents were quickly cohorted and staff who tested positive are isolating at home util they are cleared to return work,” said the statement.

All residents in the home, including the 31 who have tested negative for COVID-19 are isolating in their rooms and receiving meals and care support.

“Our first priority, as always, is to maintain the health and safety of our residents and we know this is concerrning news for our community,” added the email.

“We will continue to keep in close contact with our residents, staff and families until this virus is removed from our home.”

brmoore@postmedia.com