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restrictions in place

Seniors facility pauses visits after positive COVID-19 test

Nov 23, 2020 | 11:20 AM

A Red Deer area seniors facility has suspended all visits following a positive test for COVID-19.

The Hamlets at Red Deer in Gasoline Alley said it was informed of the positive test on Saturday.

“This team member has not worked in the building now for (five) days and we are working closely with CDC (AHS Communicable Disease Control) and public health to ensure that all protocols are in place,” General Manager Lisa Manning shared in a letter to residents and family members.

As a result of the positive test, The Hamlets at Red Deer has paused all visiting, including designated visitors, and is limiting all residents leaving the facility to essential visits only.

Manning says residents and staff will be tested for COVID-19 starting Tuesday, and visiting restrictions will be lifted “once the site receives the results of the COVID swabs and they are negative.”

“I understand that this is not an easy time for anyone. We ask for your patience and understanding while we navigate this,” she wrote. “As always we will be working with public health to ensure that we can get visitors back in to see the residents as we know that being without loved ones plays a toll on mental health for all involved.”

Manning tells rdnewsNOW that their team has taken swift action to protect residents and their entire team from any further spread of the virus at the facility.

“In addition to the swabbing, we have further increased our cleaning throughout the building and have restricted access to the home to reduce the risk of transmission while in outbreak as per MOH direction,” she explains. “We will continue to keep all those associated with our site fully informed. We will continue to be transparent with all of our Hamlets family to ensure the safety of everyone.

“We are thankful to our team members, residents and family members who have been very supportive of our efforts,” Manning shares. “Lastly we are thankful the only team member with COVID is recovering well.”