Simcoe Manor COVID-19 outbreak declared over

The COVID-19 outbreak at the Simcoe Manor long-term care home in Beeton has been declared over by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. The outbreak was originally declared on Oct. 2.
The County of Simcoe, which owns and operates Simcoe Manor and three other not-for-profit long-term care and seniors services facilities, took swift and aggressive action to contain the spread of this highly infectious virus. Immediate measures included visitor restrictions, rigorous screening, safely quarantining residents in their rooms with close monitoring and heightened nutritional care and assigning staff to work only in their designated units.
On Oct. 13 the Ministry of Long-Term Care issued a Mandatory Management Order appointing Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) to temporarily manage Simcoe Manor for 90 days. The order enabled RVH to deploy a Rapid Response Team, including infection control, workplace safety and environmental services experts to the home. RVH and the County of Simcoe also convened an Emergency Operations Centre to direct recovery efforts.
A 260+ point Action Plan was developed which included rapid testing of all residents and staff and a deep clean of the entire home. Although strict infection control protocols were already in place, even more stringent safety measures were introduced and audits are conducted continuously. An intensive re-training program led by infection prevention and control experts from RVH was launched, the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) was enhanced and staffing was stabilized. A detailed Transition Plan will ensure any changes and additional measures put in place are sustained to ensure safe, quality care.
During the outbreak, 43 Simcoe Manor residents and 32 staff tested positive for COVID-19. The virus claimed the lives of 10 residents.
“The well-being of our residents and staff remains our highest priority. We will continue to support our staff across all our homes in their steadfast commitment to fight against the spread of COVID-19,” said Warden George Cornell. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of our residents who passed away. Our gratitude goes to all our amazing staff and our partners at RVH and Public Health who worked with us to end this serious outbreak.”
As community transmission in Ontario increases, we echo the serious advice from our local Health Unit in asking residents to follow all ‘orange-restrict’ level guidelines to protect yourselves, your loved ones and our most vulnerable residents in our communities.
“RVH has significant experience and expertise in managing and containing infectious diseases and we were pleased to share our practices, protocols and policies with our County of Simcoe partners to help end this outbreak and ensure infection control measures are sustained in the future,” says Janice Skot, RVH President and CEO. “RVH’s team continues to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Simcoe Manor team and we have found their compassion and commitment to the home’s residents has been inspiring.” 
“Despite our history of success in controlling outbreaks in our four homes prior to and throughout this pandemic, and our continued efforts to keep our residents and staff safe, this insidious virus made its way into Simcoe Manor by spreading quickly and silently,” said Jane Sinclair, General Manager of Health and Emergency Services, County of Simcoe. “We mourn those who we have sadly lost and we will never forget the efforts and support of those who demonstrated unwavering commitment to rid this virus and save lives. To our residents and families, our dedicated staff, our partners at RVH and the Health Unit, and the outpouring of community support, we thank you.”