The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has reported a spike in COVID-19 cases at Barrie's Roberta Place, while the outbreak at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre has seen a slight rise.
Stephanie Barber, community relations co-ordinator for Jarlette Health Services, which operates Roberta Place, told BarrieToday there is an outbreak at the Essa Road facility involving 26 people.
The health unit pegs the number at 27, although there can be discrepancies in up-to-date reporting.
“At this time, I can confirm that on Friday, Jan. 8, the home was deemed to be in outbreak status by Public Health as a result of a positive COVID-19 case that was detected within the resident community,” Barber said.
“As required, all residents were immediately tested for the virus," she added. "Upon receipt of these test results and as of 12 p.m. (Monday), we can confirm that we have a total of 26 positive COVID-19 cases within the home.”
Barber said Roberta Place employees and team members continue to take part in mandatory weekly swabbing while working to mitigate further transmission of the virus within the facility, which is located near Harvie Road.
“At this time, all residents are in isolation and being cared for in their individual rooms and the home continues to comply with all infection prevention and health and safety precautions,” Barber said.
Meanwhile, the Barrie hospital announced on Saturday that an outbreak had been declared in its integrated stroke and rehabilitation unit. Seven patients who recently received care in one section of the 40-bed unit had tested positive for COVID-19, along with two staff members who were safely self-isolating at home.
The number of people affected at RVH has risen slightly since Saturday. As of Monday afternoon, it is now eight patients and four staff members.
Elsewhere in Barrie, outbreaks have also been declared at Grove Park Home following two positive cases, as well as Woods Park Care Centre which has one.
