Creedan Valley celebrates end of COVID-19 outbreak

Creedan Valley Care Community long-term care home celebrated the end of an outbreak with a visit from an ice-cream truck Wednesday.
Executive director Sadie Friesner said she wanted to thank everyone for having successfully navigated an outbreak avoiding any spread within the facility and preventing deaths.
“We wanted to do something special to thank the staff and residents,” said Friesner, adding that June is also Seniors Month in Ontario.
The outbreak was declared over on June 5 and involved only staff that had acquired the virus in the community and had no link to the workplace.
An outbreak was first declared on April 15 and was declared over on May 11 but the facility went back into outbreak on May 18. Although it was technically recorded as two outbreaks by Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, they were related.
“It was so amazing that the staff adapted so well. They just stepped up,” said Friesner. “They are an amazing team and we are thanking them through their tummies,” she said with a laugh.
“The residents have fared very well, they have been very understanding,” she said. “It’s not easy going through an outbreak.”
Friesner said she is pleased to report that of the 61 residents, 98 per cent have had two doses of vaccine and of the 84 staff, 94 per cent have had a first dose with second doses coming soon.
She said thanks to a change in directives, Creedan Valley has welcomed back essential caregivers and is able to host outdoor gatherings like the one on Wednesday, where residents can be together with friends and family.

Trina Berlo photo: Michael Mazomenos serves up a variety of frozen treats from his ice cream truck, the Ice Cream Company based in King City.