Hastings County is taking some major steps to ensure safety for residents in local long-term care homes.
At its virtual meeting on Thursday, Hastings County council recognized the need to isolate residents when they have come in contact with or test positive for COVID-19.
There is also concern about the fact residents are now allowed to receive visitors as well as make long and short term stays outsde the home.
Council decided to set aside three private rooms at Hastings Manor in Belleville and two private rooms in Centennial Manor in Bancroft to allow for isolation of residents as needed.
Visitors will now be required to show evidence of negative swabs, as will family members who take residents out of the homes for visits.
Finally, council will request that swab results from long term care homes be given priority to ensure prompt response so they are able to mange the spread of the virus.
Director of the two homes Debbie Rollins told council delays in test results impact the ability of family visits.
She said that with the increase in visiting it has been difficult these last months to keep residents’ health safe.
“We know there are increasing cases all around us in our communities and it’s very important we are cautious in our approach and we encourage all of our visitors to ensure they are swabbed timely to keep our residents safe.”
