The COVID-19 outbreak at the Simcoe Manor nursing home in Beeton, Ont., was declared over on Thursday.
The outbreak lasted almost two months and affected 43 residents and 32 staff. Ten residents died.
Simcoe Manor is owned and operated by the County of Simcoe, which also oversees three other non-profit long-term care and seniors services centres.
“We will continue to support our staff across all our homes in their steadfast commitment to fight against the spread of COVID-19,” Simcoe County Warden George Cornell said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of our residents who passed away.”
On Oct. 13, Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care issued an order, appointing the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) to temporarily manage Simcoe Manor for 90 days.
The order allowed RVH to deploy a rapid response team, which allowed infection control, workplace safety and environmental services experts to come into the home.
RVH and Simcoe County also convened an emergency operations centre to direct recovery efforts.
During the outbreak, a plan was developed that included rapid testing of all residents and staff, as well as a deep-cleaning of the entire home.
“Although strict infection control protocols were already in place, even more stringent safety measures were introduced and audits are conducted continuously,” county officials said.
“An intensive retraining program led by infection prevention and control experts from RVH was launched, the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) was enhanced and staffing was stabilized.”
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