There have been seven lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongst the staff at H.J. McFarland Memorial Home, as of Wednesday, January 12. Four cases have been resolved while three remain active.
There are no cases among residents at this time. H.J. McFarland Memorial Home continues to monitor for symptoms and test residents who Hastings Prince Edward Public Health considers to be high-risk exposures.
To further protect residents, Home staff have worked quickly to administer the fourth booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to residents. To date, 97 per cent of residents have received their fourth booster dose.
Residents are receiving the same level of quality care at this time. Small group programing and communal dining continues in designated dining rooms. Residents remain in cohorts by unit as an extra precaution.
While health care staff shortages are a constant reality, H.J. McFarland team members have filled in for colleagues who are required to isolate. In addition, the municipality has redirected staff resources where appropriate to the Home from municipal buildings that are closed due to provincial directives. We continue to monitor the staffing needs of the Home.
Under provincial regulations, only essential visitors and caregivers are permitted to visit the Home at this time. Essential visitors are people who meet an essential need of residents that could not be adequately met if the person does not visit the Home. A caregiver is a type of essential visitor who provides direct care to meet the essential needs of a resident. Visit the Government of Ontario website for more information about essential visitors and caregivers.
Essential visitors and caregivers must register with H.J. McFarland Memorial Home in advance of a visit. If you are not registered, call 613.476.2138. Any essential visitor or designated caregiver experiencing symptoms of a cold or fever should avoid visiting. Essential visitors and caregivers must also meet the following requirements:
Provide a negative COVID-19 test upon entry to the Home, unless they had a negative test the day before.
Provide proof of COVID-19 fully vaccinated status, unless they have a valid medical exemption or are attending to a resident in a palliative end-of-life situation. Caregivers will be required to have a first dose by December 20, 2021 and all required doses to be considered fully vaccinated by February 21, 2022. In the interim, designated caregivers who are not fully vaccinated would need to restrict their visit to the resident’s room.
The health and safety of all staff and resident is the top priority for H.J. McFarland Memorial Home. Enhanced screening and testing procedures already in place will continue. Staff will update any family members directly should there be any concerns about their loved one’s care.
