April 13, 2021
Hello everyone,
I am delighted to report that both outbreaks at Seasons Lethbridge Gardens in Alberta and Seasons Clarington in Ontario were rescinded late last week.
Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam has warned that due to the concerning rise in the proportion of cases that involve more contagious variants of concern, strong public health measures and individual precautions must be sustained. Experts have determined that we are officially in a third wave, and it appears to be the most severe so far.
Since Easter weekend, we have had several “close calls” at our retirement communities. Due to the increasing case counts among the general public, our staff and residents’ family members may have unknowingly been exposed to individuals who tested positive for COVID-19. Just a reminder to please consider our screening questions carefully before visiting a resident or coming to work. For example, please do not visit if you:
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 symptoms
• Have had close contact with someone who is being tested for COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone who has had contact with a COVID-19 positive case
Seasons team members, if any of the above applies to you, please follow our protocols and advise your supervisor immediately.
ALBERTA
I am pleased to share that Designated Essential Visitors in Alberta are now eligible to register for a vaccine as part of the phase 2C rollout. For details, please visit their website.
We continue to use the Risk Assessment tool to guide protocols and restrictions in our retirement homes in Alberta. If there is the transmission of COVID-19 in the local community, that will indicate a greater risk to our residents, and therefore we will be firm in enforcing safety protocols. For an update on the status in Alberta, you can visit this link to their website.
ONTARIO
A reminder that Designated Essential Visitors are also eligible for the vaccine in Ontario as part of Phase 2. For details, please visit their website.
Seasons Retirement Communities in Ontario continue to adhere to the policies and procedures under the ‘Grey (Lockdown) or Shutdown’ column in the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority’s Scenario Matrix, found here.
Despite the seriousness of rising case counts and variants of concern, there is light at the end of this tunnel, including greater access to vaccines. Our teams continue to work hard to ensure our residents are connected, engaged and having fun safely. We all look forward to a time when we can return to typical operations. In the meantime, I thank you all for your ongoing cooperation and understanding. Please maintain your vigilance.
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