Hillcrest Building Respiratory Outbreak

In consultation with Public Health, 3 out of 4 of our home areas in the Hillcrest building now have resident cases. Therefore, this entire building is in outbreak (Bayview Suites, Dominion Suites, Georgian Suites and Harbour Suites) effective Oct 27th. The pathogen for Bayview & Harbour home areas is Rhinovirus. The pathogen for Dominion Suites is currently unknown.

Heritage Building Respiratory Outbreak

The respiratory outbreak continues on our Heritage Place, Centennial Place home areas. The pathogen is currently unknown.

Rhinovirus

Rhinovirus (a common virus that primarily infects the nose and throat and is the most frequent cause of the common cold. It spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, and congestion).

While rhinovirus is commonly known as the "common cold," it can still have serious consequences for older adults and others with underlying health conditions which is why Public Health has directed outbreak measures to be implemented. We ask that you keep this in mind when deciding whether to visit and when adhering to outbreak precautions. Your cooperation helps protect our most vulnerable residents and reduce the spread of illness within the home.



Outbreak Reminders (for all visitors in the facility):

• Public Health advises that non-essential visits be postponed until the outbreak has been resolved.
• All visitors and staff must comply with PPE requirements. When you enter the home area, you need to wear a mask and visit in your loved ones’ room away from others. Don full PPE if visiting a Resident that is in isolation (N95 mask, gown, eye protection and gloves, remove upon exit of the room and don a surgical mask). This PPE requirement is to protect you, other Residents and other people you may come in contact with outside of the home.
• Masks should NOT be removed while visiting during an outbreak while on the affected home area.
• Essential caregivers can provide support to their loved ones following recommendations of Public Health.
• Limit movement between affected and nonaffected areas.
• Do not visit other non-infected residents or wander the home area if visiting an infected resident.
• All visitors are encouraged to be vaccinated.
• If you have any respiratory or enteric signs or symptoms, please do not come into the facility to visit until your symptoms have resolved.
• Non-essential appointments or outings should be postponed.
• We recommend that residents wear a mask whenever possible.
• Be sure to wash or sanitize your hands regularly.

All visitors and staff must wear surgical masks in the entire facility.

Important Reminders for All Visitors:

• Wash or sanitize your hands regularly
• Do not visit if you are experiencing respiratory or enteric symptoms
• All visitors are encouraged to be vaccinated
• Limit movement between affected and unaffected areas
• All visitors and staff must wear surgical masks in the entire facility.
  

If you have any questions, please reach out by email to reception@hvcc.ca or call us at 705-526-3781.