(Updated each day as new reports arrive)
Dec. 14: Good news – We are glad to report that, as of today, there are no active cases of COVID-19 at the Simkin Centre. After almost two consecutive months with at least one active case every day – either among residents or staff, there is now reason to believe that the worst is over. Following is a chronology of events, beginning with the first reported case of COVID-19 on Oct. 22:
Following is a review of what has happened at the Simkin Centre in chronological order:
In our October 28 issue we reported that on October 22 the Simkin Centre reported its first case of COVID-19 in a resident.
Since then, Laurie Cerqueti, CEO has provided regular updates on the situation at the Simkin Centre. Following is a chronological review of those updates:
Oct. 23 – one more resident tests positive for COVID
Oct. 24 – death reported of the first resident who tested positive for COVID
Oct. 29 – 3rd resident tests positive
Oct. 31 – 2nd death of a resident from COVID reported
Nov. 2 – a nurse working in the COVID unit tests positive
Nov. 2 – another staff member (on Weinberg 2) tests positive
Nov. 2 – a staff member (on Weinberg 3) tests positive
Nov. 3 – a staff member (on Weinberg 3) tests positive
Nov. 4 – all residents on Weinberg 2 & 3 had proactive asymptomatic COVID swabs taken on Nov 2. In total, Weinberg 2 has 5 asymptomatic positive test results.
Nov. 6 – staff member on Simkin 1 tests positive
Nov. 9 – family members who are willing and able to provide care to residents are asked to volunteer
Nov 11 – 2 residents from Weinberg 2 test positive
Nov. 12 – 2 staff members test positive, 1 from Simkin 1, 1 from Simkin 2
Nov. 13 – resident from Weinberg 2 tests positive
Nov. 14 – resident from Simkin 1 tests positive
Nov. 15 – 3rd death of a resident reported
Nov. 15 – 4th death of a resident reported
Nov. 16 – staff member who worked on Weinberg 1 and Simkin 2 tests positive
Nov. 18 – staff member from Weinberg 1 tests positive
Nov. 18 – resident from Weinberg 2 tests positive
Nov. 19 – staff member who worked on Weinberg 2 and Simkin 2 tests positive
Nov. 19 – resident from Simkin 1 tests positive
Nov. 22 – 3 residents from Weinberg 1 test positive
Nov. 23 – staff member who worked on Weinberg 2 and Simkin 2 tests positive
Nov. 24 – 5th death of a resident reported
Nov. 25 – 6th & 7th deaths of residents reported; 3 more residents test positive – 1 from Simkin 1, 1 from Weinberg 1, and 1 from Simkin 2
Nov. 26 – staff member tests positive but did not work during period of communicability. 8th death of resident
Nov. 30 – 2 staff from Weinberg 1 test positive; 1 more staff member tested positive but did not work at the Centre during period of communicability
Dec. 1 – 2 residents from Weinberg 1 and 2 residents from Simkin 1 test positive
Dec 2 – 1 resident discharged from Covid Recovery Unit; 3 more to be discharged Dec. 3
Dec. 4 – 1 resident discharged from Covid Recovery Unit; 1 resident from Weinberg 1 tests positive
Dec. 9 – 9th death of a resident reported
Dec. 11 – 10 death of a resident reported; 2 residents discharged from Covid Recovery Unit
Dec. 14 – resident who was hospitablized passes away; remaining resident in Covid Recovery Unit discharged
As of Dec. 11
Total number of staff to test positive – 21
Total number of residents to test positive: 29
Total number of deaths of residents – 11
Total number of active cases of residents -0
Total number of recovered residents – 18
On Nov. 20 the Simkin Centre issued a call for volunteers:
Volunteers Needed
We are in need of training a team of volunteers to feed our residents, both during lunch (11:45 am-1:00 pm) and supper (4:45 pm -6:00 pm).
The Simkin Centre has positive cases of Covid-19. By volunteering you acknowledge and understand the risks involved in entering the Centre. We understand that this might be a difficult decision for you. However, based on previous outbreaks in other provincial jurisdictions, we’ve learned that a lack of staffing can contribute to issues with the proper feeding of Residents in Personal Care Homes. This extra assistance is required immediately and our goal is to ensure that our Residents are cared for.
Please contact me if you are interested in participating in a 2 hour orientation on feeding/swallowing. The orientation will take place at The Simkin Centre on Tuesday, November 24th at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided. Please note – part of the orientation will include hands on experience in feeding a Resident, hand hygiene, and donning and doffing.
Thank you for your commitment to our Residents.
Please contact Alissa Minaker
(Acting Volunteer/Companion Coordinator) at 204-589-9008 or
Alissa.minaker@simkincentre.ca