In addition to increased protocols and extra procedures, the County of Simcoe is "working around the clock" and is actively seeking help to combat the deadly Coronavirus outbreak at Simcoe Manor in Beeton.
The Beeton facility has been in outbreak since Oct. 2. All 126 residents were tested on that day, and all 171 staff were tested on Oct. 5. There have been 29 confirmed positive cases among the 124 residents in the facility, and 19 active cases among staff.
As of this past Thursday, 26 residents and 16 staff had tested positive for COVID-19. Four residents have died, including an 88-year-old man, a 92-year-old woman, a 98-year-old man and an 82-year-old female.
Jane Sinclair, the County of Simcoe's general manager of health and emergency services, said they were doing everything possible to assist with the deadly outbreak.
“Since the start of the pandemic, the county has been doing everything within its powers to secure the necessary supplies and resources to manage the additional protocols required to keep the coronavirus out of our four county long-term care homes,” said Sinclair in a statement issued late Friday afternoon.
“The health and well-being of residents and staff has always been our number one priority, and given the severity of COVID-19, County staff have worked within the organization and with partners to ensure our high standards are maintained.
The county is working closely with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and local health-care providers to secure additional resources to combat the current COVID-19 outbreak at the Beeton facility.
Simcoe Manor staff are "working around the clock, with frontline long-term care and seniors services staff as well as assistance from redeployed staff and County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, to combat this deadly virus," notes the media release.
"We are also reaching out to local health care agencies daily, asking for their help to meet our residents’ needs during this crisis."
Arrangements are also being made to bring in additional staff to help with resident care needs, as the staff at Simcoe Manor continue with extensive and enhanced infection control measures to protect themselves and the residents.
Merideth Morrison, director of performance and quality development with the County of Simcoe, told BarrieToday on Thursday that the county knew their homes were vulnerable and that this is a "very serious" situation.
“This is a global situation in terms of PSW (personal support worker) support. We are reaching out to every possible agency in the area and the province to bring in support. It is very difficult on all the staff,” Morrison said. “We will get them as much support as we possibly can.”
