The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared over at Allandale Station Retirement Residence in south-end Barrie after what is believed to have initially been a false-postive test.
On Friday, May 1, the outbreak was declared at the Yonge Street facility after one resident tested positive for the virus.
Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, said Allandale Station no longer meets the definition of an outbreak. The resident has since had two tests come back negative for COVID-19.
"We're deciding this is most likely a false-positive test," said Gardner, adding he's looking for more clarity on how that happened.
The Allandale Station outbreak was officially declared over May 9.
Generally speaking, Gardner said an outbreak will be declared over if health officials are confident the virus is no longer circulating at a long-term care facility. WIth COVID-19, the 14-day window is the crucial time period to see if anyone else comes down with symptoms, he said.
Allandale Station Retirement Residence issued a statement on the situation there.
“We wish to thank our residents and their families for their patience and support during this time," said Steve Graham, president of MTCO Holdings, which owns and operates the facility. "The reversal of the outbreak declaration and results of the universal testing at Allandale Station illustrates that our COVID-19 safety plan is working.
"The entire Allandale team deserves our gratitude for their diligence and commitment to the well-being of the residents," Graham added. "We will continue to follow the directives from Health Canada to protect our staff and residents from the virus and to prevent its spread."
