A respiratory outbreak has been declared at the Villa Minto long-term care home in Cochrane.
MICs group of health services CEO and long-term care administrator Paul Chatelain says three of the 37 residents are symptomatic with a rhinovirus infection. That meets the threshold for an outbreak to be declared. The residents can still come and go as usual, and are still allowed visitors.
“One visitor per resident. We’ve had to cancel all of our activities this week,” Chatelain adds.
A visitor must wear a mask and wash their hands on entering the facility.
Chatelain says staff are using personal protective equipment.
“Our housekeeping staff are doing a diligent job in cleaning the high-touched areas including the beds and the tubs and everything, so we’re really working hard to contain this.”
Chatelain hopes the outbreak declaration can be lifted on Saturday. Meanwhile, he’s advising everyone to get the flu vaccine.
