Bonnyville Extendicare continues to battle a COVID-19 outbreak in the long-term care facility, reporting the death of another resident last night. Seven residents have now succumbed to the virus at the 24-hour care home.
"Extendicare Bonnyville continues to work closely with the AHS to clear COVID-19 from our home. We are saddened to confirm seven residents of Extendicare Bonnyville have passed away to date, after contracting COVID-19. We have been in touch with each resident’s family and guardians to offer our sympathies on behalf of everyone in the home who knew and cared for them," according to a statement issued to Lakeland Today by Extendicare Canada and attributed to regional director Kim Mercier. "Each of these residents are members of our close community, who many of us in Bonnyville have personal connections with."
An outbreak at the facility was first confirmed in late January with the death of one resident and 23 active cases of COVID-19 among its residents at that time. One other resident had been hospitalized and 13 staff members had tested positive and were self-isolating.
Today's update indicates three residents have active cases and 27 resident cases are now considered resolved, meaning they tested positive more than 14 days ago but are now no longer exhibiting symptoms. There are eight active cases among facility staff, now self-isolating, with an additional 17 staff who have recovered, according to Extendicare Canada.
"All residents who consented to vaccination and were eligible have received the full two doses of the vaccine, for a total of 87 per cent of residents now fully vaccinated. Additional residents have received their first dose, and we continue to work with local health officials to schedule their second dose as they become eligible, in line with AHS guidelines," Mercier stated.
"We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve received from our community, including deliveries of cookies, balloons and many other kind gestures shared with us throughout the outbreak. Our care team would also like to thank our health partners for their ongoing collaboration, helping to strengthen our defenses against the virus and clear it from our home as soon as possible.
"We remain focused firmly on the safety of our residents and team members and will continue our tireless work to protect them until this virus is no longer a threat."
