That’s more than double the number of nursing home cases around the same time last year, but about half of what there were in April, shortly after the province lifted all protective measures. The twelve cases do not include cases of COVID in private nursing homes, which are not licensed or funded by the Ministry of Social Development. The CBC asked for the total number of cases in the 12 confirmed homes, the breakdown of infected residents and staff, the number of deaths in each home, if any, and vaccination rates among residents and staff, but department spokeswoman Rebecca Howland redirected the investigations to the Department of Health. “Early in the pandemic, the Department of Health asked Social Development staff to help manage data related to outbreaks in long-term care facilities,” said Health spokesman Adam Bowie. If the department determines that there is a public interest in sharing additional information about the cases of COVID-19 at these facilities, we will act in cooperation with our colleagues in the Department of Social Development.- Adam Bowie, spokesperson for the Department of Health “As the New Brunswick government’s response to the pandemic continues to evolve, we have now returned to a more traditional reporting practice for COVID-19,” he said in an emailed statement. Bowie declined to provide any of the statistics, citing privacy. He noted that a COVID-19 outbreak can be declared if at least two confirmed cases are identified within 10 days. “In the event that the department determines that there is a public interest in sharing additional information about the cases of COVID-19 at these facilities, we will act in cooperation with our colleagues in the Department of Social Development.” Infection prevention measures are in place to reduce risks to residents, Bowie said. “The department is monitoring the situation,” he added. There are 71 licensed nursing homes in the province. New Brunswick Nursing Home Association CEO Julie Weir could not be reached for comment Thursday.
16 live outbreaks are collected
The CBC also requested statistics on the outbreak of COVID in private nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, including community homes, memory care homes, special care homes and general care homes. “The department is currently aware of 16 cases in congregate living facilities in the province,” Bowie said in the email. He did not specify whether that includes the 12 licensed nursing home cases. “The government cannot provide an accurate total number of total assisted living facilities in the province, as many are private businesses that are not licensed as long-term care facilities.”
Fredericton private nursing home closes to visitors
Windsor Court Retirement Residence, an 89-unit private home in Fredericton, is among those where a COVID outbreak has been reported. “Public Health has advised that we are closing in on public visitation and limiting visitors,” Sheri Green, resident services manager, informed families earlier this week after “additional cases” were confirmed. Green did not respond to a request for an interview, but families of residents are being asked to choose a designated support person who will be able to visit, according to the notice obtained by CBC News. Although some residents of Fredericton’s Windsor Court Retirement Residence are eating in their rooms, only those who have tested positive for COVID-19 are in isolation during the outbreak, according to a notice sent to families. (Google Street View) Residents on the third floor and those requiring assistance eat their meals in the dining room, but all other residents eat in their rooms. “This is to address social distancing, as well as grouping restrictions from [Public Health]”, says the announcement. Activities are also modified to allow for smaller groups. “At this time, unless your loved one tests positive – your family member is not in isolation,” the statement advises. “Residents are encouraged to get out, attend their appointments, take their walks, etc.” The home “encourages” residents to wear a mask when in the hallways or elevators. Rehabilitation care will continue to provide services, with enhanced cleaning measures, the release said. A district medical health officer can declare an outbreak as soon as 10 days have passed since the last “high-risk (close contact) exposure, under the direction of Public Health,” the Department of Health spokesman said. A document on COVID-19 prevention, incident management and outbreak management is available online in long-term care facilities, the Social Development spokesperson said. The document, titled “Living with COVID: management of COVID-19 for New Brunswick Long Term Care Homes,” was prepared by Social Development and Public Health, Howland said. “The department works with licensed operators of long-term care facilities to ensure residents are safe and cared for,” he said.
