The start of a new week has brought with it a number of positive developments at several of our homes across the province.

Over the weekend, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit confirmed that Manoir Marochel in Ottawa was out of outbreak, with all cases having been resolved in accordance with the standards set out by provincial health authorities. Today, we were informed by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health that our Shelburne Long-Term Care home has officially had its outbreak declared “over” as well.

We have also now received all the results of the tests that were conducted at Port Perry Place and Regency and are pleased to share with the community that the homes have no cases of COVID-19.

With this news, we remain cautiously optimistic that our measures, and the efforts of our care staff, are making a difference in the fight against this terrible virus.

We also know though, that this virus is new and unpredictable, and that the vulnerable people we care for are particularly at risk. As has been indicated by medical officers across the province, there is potential for spikes to occur and new cases to emerge, and we must be vigilant and diligent in our precautions.

In order to continue to protect the health and safety of our residents, staff and their families, and ensure homes like Manoir Marochel, Shelburne, Port Perry Place and Regency remain free of COVID-19, we will continue to enforce outbreak response measures across our homes, in accordance with the standards and expectations of the provincial government and regional medical authorities.

As we continue to navigate the changing landscape of COVID-19, we would like to once again extend our appreciation to everyone within our community for your support and assistance in this fight. Together we are making a difference.