COVID-19 POSITIVE CASE REPORTED AT IAKHIHSOHTHA LODGE
For Immediate Release
Tsiothóhrko:wa/January 23, 2021
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s (MCA) Department of Health (DOH) has received confirmation from the Eastern Ontario Health Unit that a member of the Iakhihsohtha Lodge staff has tested positive for COVID-19. The COVID-19 positive result was detected by our regular nasal swab surveillance testing. The staff member is currently at home isolating. All resident families have been notified.
Following our infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocols, we are testing residents in accordance with the guidance and direction of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit. All staff have been participating in surveillance testing as directed by the local health unit.
With community spread being a major concern, this regular testing helps us detect new positive staff, or asymptomatic staff, early, and limit the risk of potential exposure to our residents.
We are working closely with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, Medical Directors, our Epidemiologist, and with Extendicare’s Infection Prevention and Control specialists, and following their directives as given. Our enhanced infection prevention and control measures remain in place, such as symptom screening our residents and team members a minimum of twice daily, terminal cleaning of high-touch surfaces, ensuring that all our staff are wearing masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) and revisiting our infection prevention and control protocols to ensure they are being thoroughly followed.
Please be advised that the Meals on Wheels (MOW) program will be temporally suspended until further notice. We expect to have an update on the resumption of MOW as early as Wednesday of next week. We are asking family members to please check in on those who participate in the MOW program to ensure they have food for the next couple of days. Should you or they require immediate assistance, please contact Dave Oakes, at 613-575-2507 Ext. 2.
MCA extends its best wishes for a speedy recovery to all those infected with COVID-19, as well as appreciation to those isolating and quarantining to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. We also extend our sincerest appreciation to our frontline workers and long-term care staff who have remained diligent and dedicated during this most trying time.