Coronavirus: 3 dead at long-term care home in Haldimand County, says public health

Three residents have died at a long-term care home in Hagersville where a number of individuals have been battling the novel coronavirus, according to public health.

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit confirmed two residents at Anson Place have died from COVID-19 and that the agency is working to confirm a third.

“I am always saddened by a loss of life, and I extended my condolences to the families,” medical officer of health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai said in a statement on Wednesday morning.

In a release on Sunday, Nesathurai revealed that public health was working with Anson Place staff to initiate a public health management plan to reduce the risk of transmission among residents and staff.

The health unit is reporting 27 individuals in Haldimand and Norfolk have tested positive for COVID-19, with 11 positive tests attributed to residents at Anson Place.

Haldimand and Norfolk counties have been in a state of emergency since mid-March.

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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Nesathurai issued orders to limit gatherings and warned of large fines for returning travellers who don’t self-isolate.

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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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