Pickering Deputy Mayor Kevin Ashe yesterday said the Covid-19 outbreak at Orchard Villa that led to the death of 31 residents, has been shattering for the community.
Yesterday, Dr. Robert Kyle, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Durham, ordered Lakeridge Health to take the lead in monitoring, investigating, and responding to the Covid-19 outbreak at Orchard Villa Retirement Community.
“However, our community is shattered. We have lost too many friends, family members, and loved ones to these terrible circumstances. There are simply no adequate words to express the depth of our sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the deceased, and the family and friends they have left behind,” said Deputy Mayor Ashe in a media statement.
“Although we are mourning, we must remain resolute in our actions and convictions. We must do all that we can to continue fighting the spread of Covid-19. It is only through a concerted and community-wide effort that we can better protect our most vulnerable,” he added.
Infection Prevention and Control and clinical teams from Lakeridge Health, who are well trained in responding to communicable disease outbreaks, will work with Orchard Villa on appropriate solutions to limit the risk of transmission and protect the safety of residents and staff, he said.
“City of Pickering Council and staff have been in daily contact with the Region of Durham’s Health Department, Lakeridge Health, the Central East LHIN, and MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy’s office since the outbreak occurred. We acknowledge and thank their collective work in recognizing the severity of the situation and ultimately implementing this order, which will help save lives,” the Deputy Mayor added.
The Order
On April 21, Dr. Robert Kyle, issued an order under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act to Orchard Villa in Pickering to address the immediate risk of Covid-19 to residents and staff of this home. The order indicates that a communicable disease outbreak exists at this facility, which presents a risk to the health of residents and staff in the home.
Working with Lakeridge Health, the order requires Southbridge Care Homes Inc (operating Orchard Villa), to enhance measures for the protection of residents and staff including:
- active screening of residents, staff and visitors
- active and ongoing surveillance of all residents
- active and ongoing oversight of the delivery of clinical care
- screening for new admissions
- managing essential visitors
- changes to when an outbreak of Covid-19 is declared at a home, including when it is over
- specimen collection and testing for outbreak management
- implementation of all of the above measures including the adoption and implementation of Infection Prevention and Control
“We recognize that this is a very tragic, difficult and stressful time for residents and their families, as well as staff at Orchard Villa, and we know that staff are truly concerned for the safety and well-being of everyone at this home,” said Dr. Kyle. “The Health Department and Lakeridge Health will work very closely with Orchard Villa to provide the necessary supports to help decrease or eliminate the risks to health associated with the current Covid-19 outbreak.”
“Today we will be investigating the current state of the outbreak and developing an operational plan to provide care and treatment to support the best outcomes for residents,” said Susan deRyk, Interim President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “Our team is committed to working to provide safe care in this outbreak situation and to take all steps necessary to stem the spread of Covid-19 in our community.”
“Our primary focus at Orchard Villa is on the care and safety of our residents. We are working with Durham Health Department and Lakeridge Health to help ensure we can provide the care our residents need and we have implemented Public Health’s recommended measures including active, regular screening of all residents and staff and increased testing,” said Ryan Bell, Chief Executive Officer, Southbridge Care Homes.
“These unprecedented times have created unprecedented challenges. We approached Lakeridge Health for assistance, and we are grateful they have answered our call. Our focus is to deliver the best possible care and keep our residents safe. We welcome the help of our health care partners.”
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