DAN CEARNS The Standard
KAWARTHA LAKES: The death toll from the COVID-19 outbreak in Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon continues to rise. As of press time, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District health unit has confirmed 27 COVID-19 related deaths at the Bobcaygeon long-term care home. Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott issued a statement on Thursday, April 2nd, which included an update on the situation at Pinecrest. “This is a tragic situation and we are working around the clock with ministry officials, the local public health unit, and Extendicare Assist, who have been brought in to assist Pinecrest during this crisis,” she said. “Our government is seriously concerned about the situation at Pinecrest and we are working rapidly to support the home and others affected by COVID-19. From the outset of an outbreak being declared, the ministry directed the home to institute outbreak management protocols. All long-term care homes in Ontario are required to have plans in place to manage outbreaks. Also, once an outbreak is declared, the local public health unit is immediately engaged to begin assisting with outbreak management protocols. Further to that, we assisted Pinecrest to secure the management company Extendicare Assist, which has a team on the ground that includes an administrator, an additional site lead who arrived today, and health care staff.” MPP Scott went on to state “per outbreak protocol, the home has been closed to all admissions and all non-essential activities, and isolation is in effect” and “deep commercial cleaning is taking place in care areas of the home.” “These are extraordinary times, and this serious situation is evolving quickly. We want to assure Ontarians that our government is looking at every possible tool to fight this virus, and we will continue to act to keep our loved ones in long-term care, as well as our heroic staff, safe,” MPP Scott said, in the statement. Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham talked about the outbreak situation in an update message to municipal residents on Wednesday, April 1st. “As local residents, let’s not lose focus that these are not just stats. These numbers represent parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings and most importantly, loved ones. Together, let’s make sure that we are remembering who they were as people, people who grew up here and who were a part of shaping the community we all enjoy today. The two words that immediately come to mind are heartbroken and frustrated. Our hearts are very heavy as the situation continues to unfold and we’re frustrated because we are all wondering what more we can do to help. And that still remains, staying at home and keeping your distance from others.”