Peterborough Public Health Reports First COVID-19 Case In Long-Term Care Home

On Thursday (March 26th), Peterborough Public Health reported the first case of COVID-19 in a local long-term care home.

One resident has tested positive, while two others have respiratory symptoms. Both of these have tested negative. All three are residents of St. Joseph’s at Fleming in Peterborough and are in isolation at the facility. One staff member who also had symptoms and was referred to community paramedics for in-home testing last evening where they will remain in self-isolation.

Public Health Nurse Simone Jackson wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) as she prepares to open a swab to test a patient in our clinic for COVID-19. (Photo courtesy Peterborough Public Health)

Peterborough Public Health is investigating to determine if there is an epidemiological link to travel or other known COVID-19 cases.

“We know St. Joseph’s at Fleming is taking the right measures to keep residents as safe as possible from the spread of this infection,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Older adults are more at risk to severe illness caused by COVID-19 so this serves as a strong reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our most vulnerable residents.”

Visitation to the facility has been restricted since March 14th based on the direction of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

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