Confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Roberta Place's long-term care home in south-end Barrie continue to rise while staff members work under pressure through the stressful situation.
According to Roberta Place's community relations co-ordinator, Stephanie Barber, as of Thursday morning there are 43 residents who have tested positive for the virus as well as 11 staff members.
Two residents have also died after becoming infected with COVID-19 at Roberta Place's long-term care home, where the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has declared a facility-wide outbreak on Jan. 8.
Those numbers are increase from Tuesday night when there were 39 confirmed cases among residents and five among staff.
Roberta Place long-term care home, located on Essa Road near Harvie Road, has 130 residents and 122 staff.
While the situation is undoubtedly challenging, Barber says she's proud of the work being done by staff at the facility.
“Our team has demonstrated nothing but poise, perseverance and dedication under pressure,” Barber said.
“We have every confidence in the leadership at the home and we deeply appreciate the support we have received from public health, the Ministry of Health, our infection prevention and control specialists, along with our regional teams and our community partners, including but not limited to the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH)," she added.
At a Wednesday press conference, Premier Doug Ford said he had recently spoken to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who had offered to send military assistance to Ontario's long-term care homes.
Ford’s response was that he would “never refuse help (whether) it’s the military, if it’s the Red Cross, if it’s anyone.”
Barber told BarrieToday that Roberta Place is co-operating willing to take help where it is needed.
“Working collaboratively with our health-care peers and governing bodies exemplifies the allied nature of the industry, as we are able to leverage the strengths and expertise of many to navigate these difficult circumstances,” said Barber.
