November 17, 2020
Hello everyone,
I would like to begin by noting that the COVID-19 outbreak at Seasons Welland Retirement Community in Ontario was rescinded by Niagara Region Public Health on Monday, November 16, after the requisite fourteen days. Thanks to the dedicated team at Seasons Welland and our robust infection control protocols, the outbreak was limited to one staff member who has since recovered. There were zero resident cases at this home.
While we have heard promising news about the development of a vaccine, we continue to be concerned about the surges of COVID-19 cases in both Ontario and Alberta.
Team members, we are looking at the opportunity to implement rapid COVID-19 testing units in our communities. This technology, if approved by Health Canada might not be available until the spring. In the meantime, please be cautious about where you go and who you spend time with between shifts.
Personal choices can have an unintended, yet the devastating impact on our residents and your co-workers. You are crucial to the successful operation of our retirement homes. Thank you for your continued vigilance. We see the work you are doing each day and it matters; you are truly making an impact on the lives of others and we appreciate all of your efforts.
We ask that family members who wish to visit loved ones at Seasons to be equally cautious. The more people you are exposed to, the greater the risk of possible infection and transmission to our residents. COVID-19 is an insidious and often silent infection with a serious impact on our vulnerable residents and valued team members. Keeping everyone safe and healthy is critical, and it remains Seasons’ greatest priority.
Alberta
We continue to be concerned about the surges of COVID-19 cases in the greater community. As a result of increased cases in the province, we are categorizing all Seasons Retirement Communities in Alberta ‘high risk’. This means visits will be limited to one designated family/support person at this time.
Ontario
As I noted in previous communications, the Ontario government has established elevated alert statuses based on the degree of COVID-19 transmission in a community and infection spread within area retirement homes. At the time of this update, the following Ontario residences are in Alert or High Alert status:
Alert
• Seasons Brantford
• Seasons Cambridge
• Seasons Clarington
• Seasons Welland
High Alert
• Seasons Milton
• Seasons Stoney Creek
We will keep staff, residents and families of affected residences informed as to changes in status. If you have any questions as to what is/is not permitted when a residence is in Alert or High Alert Status, you can visit the RHRA website (www.rhra.ca/en/) or contact your General Manager.
Thank you all for the trust you have placed in Seasons Retirement Communities. Keeping everyone safe and healthy is critical, and it remains our greatest priority.
Sincerely,
LeighAnne Voll
Chief Operating Officer,
Seasons Retirement Communities
For additional online resources for COVID-19 you can visit the following sites:
Canada Health
Alberta Health
Alberta Health Services
Public Health Ontario
Retirement Home Regulatory Authority