June 2, 2021
Hello everyone,
Let me begin by sharing that Seasons Camrose in Alberta went into outbreak status on May 19th. We had one positive staff case and one positive resident case, isolated to the Portsmouth Cottage area of the home. Subsequent prevalence testing has yielded negative results, and we have no other cases at this time.
Seasons High River in Alberta also went into outbreak status on May 19th. We had one positive staff case, isolated to the Lochleigh Cottage area of this home. I am pleased to report that this outbreak was rescinded earlier today.
Ontario
In Ontario, the Provincial Government’s Stay at Home order is set to be lifted tomorrow, June 2nd. Despite the end of the order, the new phased approach to re-opening the province is currently targeted for mid-June. Presently, the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility (MSAA) and the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) are trying to discern how Directive #3 and the provincial re-opening plans align safely for retirement homes. These changes would include greater access to scheduled activities, more people at a dining table while still in cohorts, etc. We will keep you informed as we learn more about this rollout and how it impacts the residents at Seasons Retirement Communities.
Alberta
As I noted in my last Memo, we updated our Visitor Policy to reflect the changes to CMOH 16. The Visitor Policy can be found on Cubigo, or we can provide you with a hard copy should you desire it. CMOH 23-2021 was issued last week, providing additional guidance on scheduled activities, among other things. Residents can designate four Essential Visitors and enjoy outdoor visits; we ask that you please schedule these visits through our front desk to coordinate safe visits for all.
Thank you to our staff, residents and families for being cautious and for continuing to follow our enhanced infection prevention and control protocols. The collective health of our retirement community members relies on your cooperation.
Acknowledgment
Before I conclude this memo, I want to acknowledge the painful, recent discovery of 215 unmarked graves for Indigenous children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in B.C. Seasons stands with Indigenous communities, our team members, residents and families who continue to live with the generational impact of these atrocities. We mourn alongside you.
Each Seasons Retirement Community will honour these children in different ways, such as lowering their flags to half-mast, wearing orange or having a moment of silence. Team members, I want to remind you that Seasons offers confidential counselling through Homewood Health should you wish to access these services. Please see this valuable resource for Recovery and Coping after a traumatic event.
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