Alberta Health has asked Alberta Health Services to work with the operator of a south Edmonton care centre amid a growing outbreak of COVID-19.
Alberta Health said Monday that it had asked AHS to provide “supervision and leadership” at the Good Samaritan Southgate Care Center.
Alberta’s medical director of health said five additional deaths similar to the outbreak were reported to Alberta Health over the weekend. To date, 12 spacers have died for COVID-19, according to Alberta Health and the Good Samaritan Society.
“We take this epidemic very seriously,” Dr. Deena Hinshaw said.
On Monday afternoon, the Good Samaritan Society said there were 61 active cases of COVID-19 in the outbreak-related facilities: 47 citizens and 14 employees. Hinshaw stated that a total of 78 CASES of COVID-19, 12 deaths, have been linked to the epidemic to date.
Alberta Health that AHS will work with the Good Samaritan Society to “ensure that all processes and procedures meet the standards.”
“AHS is working with the operator to implement a plan to ensure that the facility maintains full compliance over the next month, including ensuring mandatory staff.”
Eight workers recovered from COVID-19, according to the operator of the care center.
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“On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the circle of family and friends of those who have passed away; we are thinking about them during this difficult time,” President and Acting CEO Michelle Bonnici told Global News on Monday afternoon.
Bonnici said the entire center is in mourning and that chaplainy is provided to residents, families and staff upon request.
“I need to assure families whose citizens depend on us that our most sensible priority is to ensure the protection of their loved ones and provide them with the most productive care imaginable. We adhere to all prescriptions and paintings of public fitness with Alberta Health and Health Services of Alberta.
All asymptomatic citizens underwent coronavirus screening last week and Bonnici said they were waiting for the results. Employees will be re-evaluated this week, and Bonnici said the facility will continue to paint with AHS to “do samples and testing in the future.”
Bonnici said the epidemic protocols were underway and that every precaution was being taken to restrict the spread of coronavirus at the centre. This includes restricting the movement of citizens to the home. Employees also wear “appropriate non-public protective equipment,” Bonnici said.
The following additional public health protocols are in place:
Bonnici said AHS has also provided additional support, including nurse practitioners and registered nurses who are now on site.
“They also seek to hire social workers, quality consultants, infection prevention specialists and other staff as needed; we are grateful for this support. In addition to Alberta’s fitness services, we are looking for other features to complement our staffing levels.” Bonnici said.
“Our most sensible precedent remains the protection of our citizens and employees, and we work with all of our partners to reduce the threat of transmission. We are not alone and appreciate the recommendation and recommendation of Alberta Health Services at this time.
The outbreak was reported at the facility on 13 June, according to the Society of the Good Samaritan.
On Monday, Hinshaw reported 304 new coVID-19 cases and 8 disease deaths in the province in the last 3 days.
“This is a heartbreaking figure to report. We cannot that this virus can have serious and even fatal effects on our health,” Hinshaw said.
“I would like to be offering my deepest condolences to the circle of family and friends who have lost the enjoyed.”