13 coronavirus deaths connected to Hagersville, Ont. care home, says public health

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) says all residents at Anson Place care centre are still in self-isolation as they continue to fight a novel coronavirus outbreak at the home that has claimed 13 lives.

On the weekend, the unit revealed that over 50 residents and 30 staff have now tested positive for COVID-19 at the long-term care facility and retirement home in Hagersville.

“As part of the Health Unit’s public health management plan, residents are in self-isolation in their rooms, and staff are wearing full personal protective equipment to prevent the transmission of COVID-19,”  HNHU said in a statement.

“All staff who are caring for residents at Anson Place are in self-isolation, with the exception that they may travel to and from work at the facility.”

On March 23, the region’s chief medical officer of health issued orders forbidding residents from leaving any long-term care and retirement home in Norfolk and Haldimand counties.

Family and friends were also no longer permitted to visit the facilities.

The first three deaths at Anson Place were reported by the HNHU on April 1 after it was revealed a number of individuals had been battling the virus.

As of April 13, health officials say the region is dealing with 144 positive cases of COVID-19, including the 13 deaths at Anson Place.

Both counties activated their emergency operations centres on March 20 and set up care centres as a precaution at the Dunnville Memorial Arena and Port Dover Arena.

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Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

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