CCC Covid-19

“It is easy to look for loopholes, but rather let’s look for how we can keep each other safe.”  – Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer

It is National Volunteer Week – a chance for everyone at each of our facilities to acknowledge and say thank you to the many volunteers across our organization who selflessly dedicate their time, energy and compassion to improve patient and resident experiences.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how volunteers have been able to support our sites over the last year, they remain a crucial part of the delivery of care and services.

Internal Updates

Facility COVID Outbreaks

Villa St. Gabriel Villa – The COVID-19 outbreak was declared over on April 16, 2021.

The additional agency staffing from outside our catchment area will continue to be scheduled to assist with covering unfilled shifts until May 2, 2021.

Words cannot express my gratitude to all staff for going above and beyond to contain the outbreak.
Your dedication to the safety and well-being of our residents overwhelms me.
Thank you to each and every one of you!

St. Joseph’s Villa – A COVID outbreak was declared on April 5, 2021.

As of today, there are no active COVID-19 positive cases in the building..
However the outbreak status remains in place due to the nature of its origin.
As a result we will continue to  PCR swabbing every 3-4 day with the help of the City of Greater Sudbury’s  EMS paramedics.
Rapid Antigen testing will also continue as per guidance from Public Health Sudbury District.
Updated communication is being circulated as it arises to all staff, residents, and family members who work, reside or attend at SJV.
Please continue to refer to your e-mail for updates on testing.

Surveillance Swabbing

VSGV

Although the outbreak has been declared over Public Health Sudbury District requires ongoing PCR surveillance testing.
Therefore, all staff, students, volunteers and caregivers will continue with on-site COVID-19 PCR tests every 7 days for 2 weeks.

Mandatory testing clinics are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday/Monday as well as Rapid Antigen testing upon entry each Thursday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. until May 3^rd, 2021.

SJCCC

There are currently no active COVID-19 positive cases at SJCCC-South Bay Road site and the Clarion site.
Rapid Antigen Testing commenced Monday April 19, 2021.  There are 2 clinics scheduled each day  at both SJCCC and the Clarion Site including the weekends.
The first clinic is from 7am – 12pm and the second clinic is from 3pm – 8pm.
Staff members working on night shift will receive their RAT from the RN on your designated working floor.

Staff will receive a RAT card with their results that they will need to be show to the Lobby Deputy when they come in for their scheduled shifts.

Please ensure to read your emails for additional instructions and if you have further questions please contact your Clinical Supervisor or Clinical Manager.

Vaccines

Vaccine clinics continue to be offered by Public Health in our area.  Please consider getting vaccinated.  It is critical to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and our most vulnerable individuals from COVID-19.
Each additional person vaccinated brings us one step closer to eliminating COVID-19 from our facilities and our community.

Federal Update

As of April 20, 2021, across Canada, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 1,131,773 of which 88,327 remain active.  To date there are 23,667 deaths recorded.

Provincial Update

As of April 20, 2021, in Ontario, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 424,911 which is an increase of 3,469 – this includes 374,213 resolved cases and 7,757 reported deaths.
To date 3,904,778 doses have been administered and 346,005 individuals are fully vaccinated.

To address rising COVID-19 case counts, protect people and communities and help break the chain of COVID-19 transmission, the Premier of Ontario amended the current Stay-at-Home order to add an initial 2 weeks to the current 4 weeks.  This will extend the Stay-at-Home order to approximately May 20, 2021.

Local Update

• Sudbury & Districts Public Health Unit – 171 active cases.
• 57,899 individuals have received their first vaccine dose and there are 6,983 individuals fully vaccinated.

Current Local Outbreaks (as reported by Sudbury & District Public Health Unit)

• Private Daycare
• TSYS
• Jannatec Technologies
• Glencore Fraser Mine
• End of the Roll, Home & Haven Décor Studio Inc.
• Centre Pivot du Triangle Magique, Azilda site
• Joseph’s Villa
• Trillium College
• Jubilee Heritage Daycare, Applegrove site
• Maslack Supply, Falconbridge location
• Vale Limited Coleman Mine, Creighton Mine, Contractor, Administration building & underground mine site Garson Mine

HSN is reporting 23 confirmed cases (4 ICU; 18 other units)

In Closing…

Remember, even if you have had the vaccine, it is still important to continue to follow infection prevention and control measures, as no vaccine offers 100% protection. This means staying home when sick, maintaining good hand hygiene, physically distancing, and wearing a mask when you cannot distance.

Staying Healthy and Staying Safe, Safe Lives!

Additional Resources

Ontario.ca/COVID-19

Public Health Ontario

Sudbury & District Public Health

Covid-19-self-assessment

COVID-19-Assessment-Centre in the Greater City of Sudbury

COVID-19 results

“ It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”  – Charles Darwin

The most recent projections released by the Ministry of Health on April 8, 2021, based on current COVID-19 inpatient census growth trends and Science Table modelling, puts the province on a path to have nearly 3000 COVID patients in hospital; and nearly 1000 in ICU by April 30, 2021, as this third wave continues.

COVID-19 has presented us all with many difficult situations and increased stress, which can impact our mental health. As health care workers, the fear of bringing COVID-19 to work or home is very real.  During this time, it can be difficult to find the positive answers to these fears.

This has led to a more general awareness of how closely our physical and mental health is connected. Good mental health is essential, so please remember to take care of your mental health in the same way you care for your physical health.

Internal Updates

Facility COVID Outbreaks

Villa St. Gabriel Villa – A COVID outbreak was declared on March 12, 2021.  Updated communication is being circulated as it arises to all staff, residents, and family members who work, reside or attend at VSGV.  To date there are 11 confirmed positive cases – 6 residents, 8 staff and 1 caregiver.   All of these cases have now been resolved. 

Addition agency staffing from outside our catchment area continue to assist with the outbreak covering unfilled shifts.  We are grateful that our health system partners have stepped up to assist us during this stressful time.

I personally wish to thank all staff very much for your ongoing dedication and incredible efforts since the declaration of the outbreak. You have been rock stars in containing this outbreak!  Thank you.

St. Joseph’s Villa – A COVID outbreak was declared on April 5, 2021.   At this time, there are 2 confirmed positive staff members on the line list who are isolating at home.

Rapid antigen testing continues as previously scheduled as well as PCR testing as per the outbreak protocol.  Updated communication is being circulated as it arises to all staff, residents, and family members who work, reside or attend at SJV.  Please see your email for additional communications regarding additional precautions in place.

Surveillance Swabbing

SJCCC and the Clarion site continue to swab weekly.  Surveillance swabbing is now only being completed every Tuesday – at SJCCC from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and at the Clarion from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  A COVID-19 Virus Test Requisition has been circulated that can be prepopulated and printed prior to visiting the swabbing clinic.  Please ensure to check your email for the date and times of the swabbing clinics.

Vigilance is a key to safety! Immediately self-isolate and report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to your immediate supervisor.

Vaccines

Vaccines were delivered on April 9, 2021, to all patients at the SJCCC South Bay Road site and the Clarion site who were 60 years of age or older in line with the most recent communication for vaccine opportunities by Public Health for the Sudbury & District region.

I ask that you Please consider getting vaccinated.  It is critical to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and our most vulnerable individuals from COVID-19. Each additional person vaccinated brings us one step closer to eliminating COVID-19 from our facilities and our community.

Federal Update

As of April 15, 2021, across Canada, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 1,087,152 of which 80,201 remain active.  To date there are 23,445 deaths recorded.

Provincial Update

As of April 15, 2021, in Ontario, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 403,571 which is an increase of 4,736 – this includes 357,591 resolved cases and 7,639 reported deaths. To date 3,528,404 doses have been administered and 339,491 individuals are fully vaccinated.

A Provincial Stay-at-Home order was announced and went into effect on April 8, 2021.  This order and the provincial emergency shutdown order are in place for at least the next four weeks.

Local Update

• Sudbury & Districts Public Health Unit – 215
• 49,289 individuals have received their first vaccine dose and there are 6,729 individuals fully vaccinated.

Current Outbreaks in the PHSD Area

• Jannatec Technologies
• Glencore Fraser Mine
• End of the Roll, Home & Haven Décor Studio Inc.
• Centre Pivot du Triangle Magique, Azilda site
• Joseph’s Villa
• Trillium College
• Private outdoor gathering
• HSN 6th floor, North Tower
• Sudbury Developmental Services Holland Road Site
• Jubilee Heritage Daycare, Applegrove site
• Maslack Supply, Falconbridge location
• Vale Limited Coleman Mine, Creighton Mine, Contractor, Administration building & underground mine site Garson Mine
• Gabriel Villa

HSN is reporting 21 confirmed cases (6 ICU; 16 other units)

In Closing…

COVID has brought the world to a halt like nothing else could. Our minds are still racing back and forth, longing for a return to ‘normality,’ trying to stitch our future to our past and refusing to acknowledge the change we need to make.

However, the need to change exists.

And in the midst of these feelings, we are offered a chance to rethink what “normality” will mean to each of us in our personal lives, in our workplace lives and, in our community, on a go forward basis.

Please Take this stay-at-home order as a time to try to accept and plan what your future will look like.

As always, please Remember to continue to put on your safety layers – wear a mask, stay 2m away from anyone who is not in your household, wash your hands and follow the rules and precautions for the Provincial stay at home order imposed.

Staying Healthy and Staying Safe, Safe Lives!

Additional Resources

Ontario.ca/COVID-19
Public Health Ontario
Sudbury & District Public Health
Covid-19-self-assessment
COVID-19-Assessment-Centre in the Greater City of Sudbury
COVID-19 results

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.  Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” – Marie Curie

Today marks a momentous occasion as it is the first Anniversary of the SJCCC Clarion site.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for the Herculean efforts you have put into making the Clarion site such a tremendous success.

You have truly made it an extension of the SJCCC South Bay Road site as our patients are cared for with our same values of dignity, excellence, service and integrity.  Thank you and please keep up the great work you are doing.

Please take a few moments to celebrate with your colleagues and our patients.  I am so proud of you.  You are all rock stars!!

Internal Updates

Facility COVID Outbreaks

Villa St. Gabriel Villa – A COVID outbreak was declared on March 12, 2021.  Updated communication is being circulated as it arises to all staff, residents, and family members who work, reside or attend at VSGV.  To date there are 11 confirmed positive cases – 6 residents, 8 staff and 1 caregiver.  Of these, there are 2 residents and 3 staff that remain on the line list and symptomatic.  We also lost two residents this past weekend.  I know that you join me in sending our prayers and thoughts of condolences to their family and friends.

PCR testing continues to occur at the facility every 4 days.  The testing will continue until the outbreak is over, as directed by Public Health.

The additional agency staff from outside our catchment area that were secured continue to assist with the outbreak.  We are grateful that our health system partners have stepped up to assist us during this stressful time.

I personally wish to thank all staff very much for your ongoing dedication and incredible efforts since the declaration of the outbreak.  We could not contain this outbreak without your assistance.

St. Joseph’s Villa – A COVID outbreak was declared on April 5, 2021 following a resident rapid antigen testing positive when admitted to HSN.   All residents in all units have been swabbed and those residents deemed close contacts through contract tracing have been placed in isolation in Hillcrest.

Rapid antigen testing continues as previously scheduled. In addition, all staff are being PCR tested along with their regularly scheduled rapid antigen testing.  Essential caregivers will receive PCR testing as they enter the facility.  As more information becomes available it will be communicated.  Please see your email for additional communications regarding additional precautions in place.

Surveillance Swabbing

SJCCC and the Clarion site continue to swab weekly.  Surveillance swabbing information is provided via email to all staff.  A COVID-19 Virus Test Requisition has been circulated that can be prepopulated and printed prior to visiting the swabbing clinic.  Please ensure to check your email for the date and times of the swabbing clinics.

Vigilance is a key to safety! Immediately self-isolate and report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to your immediate supervisor.

Vaccines

On April 1, 2021, Sudbury & District Public Health announced that Sudbury moved to the provincial system for booking vaccines.  Individuals 70 and older within the community can now book online utilizing the provincial system.  To use the provincial online booking system, visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/

In addition, Sudbury & District Public Health released an Advisory Alert indicating that all health care workers, who have not yet been vaccinated, can now book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment without pre-registering. To book an appointment, please call 705.674.2299 (toll-free: 1.800.708.2505). The call centre is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

A vaccine clinic was held at Villa St. Gabriel Villa on April 2, 2021 for the staff working at the site and resident caregivers.  Thank you to all those individuals who utilized this opportunity to get vaccinated.  Thank you also to the staff at Public Health Sudbury District for making this happen.

Please know that vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses like COVID-19. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. This can reduce your risk of developing COVID-19 and make your symptoms milder if you do get it.

Please consider getting vaccinated – is critical to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and our most vulnerable individuals from COVID-19. Each additional person vaccinated brings us one step closer to eliminating COVID-19 from our facilities and our community.

Federal Update

As of April 6, 2021, across Canada, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 1,014,373 of which 58,673 remain active.  To date there are 23,118 deaths recorded.

Provincial Update

As of April 6, 2021, in Ontario, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 367,602 which is an increase of 3,065 – this includes 333,576 resolved cases and 7,458 reported deaths. To date 2,545,640 doses have been administered and 322,197 individuals are fully vaccinated.

A Provincial Emergency Break was announced and went into effect on April 3, 2021.  The provincial shutdown is in place for at least four weeks.

Local Update

• Sudbury & Districts Public Health Unit – 256
• 32,449 individuals have received there first vaccine dose and there are 3,543 individuals fully vaccinated.

Health Facilities in outbreak:

• St. Joseph’s Villa
• Sudbury Developmental Services Holland Road Site (congregate living)
• Health Sciences North (7B North Tower/6^th floor North Tower)
• YMCA Warming Centre, Samaritan Centre Resource Program and Homelessness Network Day Centre
• Christian Horizons
• St. Gabriel Villa

HSN is reporting 21 confirmed cases (9 ICU; 12 other unit)

In Closing…

You have chosen a career in healthcare – it reflects the value you hold for caring for others and is an indication of your compassion. When faced with the stresses of this pandemic, it is important to share that compassion with yourself and take a moment to appreciate how patients, residents, family members and co-workers benefit from the work you are doing.

As new clusters of new cases and outbreaks emerge in our community it is particularly concerning and requires all of us to continue to put our safety layers at the forefront of all we do – wear a mask, stay 2m away from anyone who is not in your household, wash your hands and follow the rules and precautions for the Provincial lockdown imposed.

Please Remember…
Staying Healthy and Staying Safe, Safe Lives!

Additional Resources

Ontario.ca/COVID-19

Public Health Ontario

Sudbury & District Public Health

Covid-19-self-assessment

COVID-19-Assessment-Centre in the Greater City of Sudbury

COVID-19 results

“Blessed are those who have not seen and have yet believed.” – John 20:29

Easter will be very different once again this year. While it still falls on Sunday, April 4, as scheduled, but with physical and social distancing recommendations still in place and COVID vaccine distribution still in progress; Easter church service, family Easter games and Easter dinner will not look the same as they have in years past.

While vaccines are being distributed (and some of you and others within your household might have been vaccinated) you might be tempted to celebrate Easter like you used to.   However please Remember that not everyone in your circle is fully vaccinated so precautions are still necessary for everyone’s safety.

Please Celebrate your Easter wisely so that everyone remains healthy and safe!

Internal Updates

Facility COVID Outbreaks

Villa St. Gabriel Villa – A COVID outbreak was declared on March 12, 2021.  Updated communication is being circulated as it arises to all staff, residents, and family members who work, reside or attend at VSGV.  To date there have been 15 positive cases – 6 residents, 8 staff and 1 caregiver.

PCR testing has been scheduled and continues to occur at the facility every 4 days.  The testing will continue until the outbreak is declared over by Public Health Sudbury District.

Additional agency staff from outside our catchment area were secured and deployed last week to assist with the outbreak.  We are very grateful that our local health system partners have also stepped up to assist us during this time.

I personally want to thank all VSGV staff very much for your ongoing dedication and incredible efforts since the declaration of the outbreak.

You are all heroic warriors of this fight as you each navigate through your day protecting our residents, visitors, and staff.

It truly takes a special person with generous compassion to do this work, but to do so in the face of Covid, is amazing.

THANK YOU!!

Surveillance Swabbing

SJCCC and the Clarion site continue to swab weekly.  Surveillance swabbing information is provided via email to all staff.  Please ensure to check your email for the date and times of the swabbing clinics and the updated COVID-19 Virus Test Requisition form to be completed.

Rapid antigen testing continues at SJV Villa site.  Swabbing is occurring daily.  Please see your email for additional communications regarding antigen testing at your site.

Please remain vigilant and immediately self-isolate and report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to your immediate supervisor.

Vaccines

On March 25, 2021, Sudbury & District Public Health announced additional vaccination clinics for those individuals 75 and older within the community.  Our Public Health Unit has moved into Phase 2 of the vaccine roll out.

Due to the extent of the outbreak at VSGV, PHSD has indicated that they will be coming to VSGV on Friday April 2^nd to provide the first vaccine to all staff and essential caregivers.  I would ask ALL staff to please book an appointment and to please get vaccinated.  To do so please phone Tanya at 705-674-2846 ext. 2104 on Wednesday or Thursday between 800 and 1600.  You may also request an appointment by email at covidshot@wp169139.wpdns.ca. 

Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses like COVID-19.

Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. This can reduce your risk of developing COVID-19 and make your symptoms milder if you do get it.

Please consider getting vaccinated – it is critical to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and our most vulnerable individuals from COVID-19. Each additional person vaccinated brings us one step closer to eliminating COVID-19 from our facilities and our community.

Federal Update

As of March 30, 2021, across Canada, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 971,715 of which 45,208 remain active.  To date there are 22,900 deaths recorded.

Provincial Update

As of March 30, 2021, in Ontario, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 347,570 which is an increase of 2,336 – this includes 320,409 resolved cases and 7,351 reported deaths. To date 311,248 individuals are fully vaccinated.

Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) remains in effect.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is in the Grey – Lockdown zone.

Local Update

• Sudbury & Districts Public Health Unit – 340
• 26,595 individuals have received there first vaccine dose and there are 2,740 individuals fully vaccinated.

Health Facilities in outbreak:

• Extendicare Falconbridge
• Health Sciences North (7B North Tower)
• Salvation Army Cedar Place, YMCA Warming Centre, Samaritan Centre Resource Program and Homelessness Network Day Centre
• Christian Horizons
• St. Gabriel Villa

HSN is reporting 15 confirmed cases (8 ICU; 7 other unit)

In Closing…

We are in a different stage of our COVID-19 pandemic now than where we have been where we have safe and effective vaccines that are increasing the protection for all of us each and every day.  At the same time, we are facing an increase in clusters of new cases and outbreaks, including increasing cases caused by variants of concern. This is particularly concerning and requires all of us to continue to put our safety layers at the forefront of all we do – wear a mask, stay 2m away from anyone who is not in your household, wash your hands and follow the rules and precautions for our grey zone.

As we celebrate Easter this coming weekend, I would like to end with a Reflection for Easter issued by the Catholic Health Association:

“Joy and relief and tears. All at once. In so many moments of life, relief opens floodgates to feelings we were holding just under the surface. Hugging your family for the first time after quarantine. Finding out that test was negative. Ringing the bell after a last round of chemo. Conceiving after infertility. When long waits and hard journeys are over, so many feelings come in one moment. Imagine the wild intertwined emotions of the disciples seeing the empty tomb and resurrected Jesus.

Even now we see light through the darkness of the pandemic. We have vaccines. Spring returns and the Earth comes alive before our eyes. Even now God is turning our sorrow to joy, our desolation to a garden. Our hope for new life swells again, even if the threat is not fully diminished.”

God Bless and please have a Blessed Easter.

Please Remember…
Staying Healthy and Staying Safe, Safe Lives!

Additional Resources

Ontario.ca/COVID-19

Public Health Ontario

Sudbury & District Public Health

Covid-19-self-assessment

COVID-19-Assessment-Centre in the Greater City of Sudbury

COVID-19 results

“No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That’s the only way to keep the roads clear.”  by Greg Kincaid

It has been a long and difficult pandemic year.  A bright spot was watching as our residents at both of our Villas received first and second rounds of the COVID-19 vaccine.  Some our patients at SJCCC also received their first vaccination.  Celebrating this progress gives us the hope and energy we need to continue our hard work in keeping our residents, patients and staff safe and healthy.

It has also been an opportunity to learn valuable lessons as we continue to collaborate with our system partners trying to blend together the health care system in a way that’s more adaptive and responsive for what our residents, patients, staff, and family members need.

Internal Updates

Facility COVID Outbreaks

Villa St. Gabriel Villa – A COVID outbreak was declared on March 12, 2021.  Communication is being circulated on a daily basis to all staff, residents, and family members who work, reside or attend at VSGV.  To date there are 11 positive cases – 3 residents, 7 staff and 1 caregiver.   All contact tracing, PCR swabbing, and isolation/outbreak precautions have been put into place.  Essential visitors have been notified with the new protocols.

Daily swabbing as per the Rapid Antigen Testing protocol has been paused during the outbreak.  PCR testing has been scheduled and is occurring at the facility every 4 days.  The testing will continue until the outbreak is over, as directed by Public Health.

Additional staff have been deployed from our health system partners to assist with the outbreak.

**Please remember to check your emails daily for any updates on the outbreak specific to the site that you work at.

Surveillance Swabbing

SJCCC and the Clarion site continue to swab weekly.  Surveillance swabbing information is provided via email to all staff.  Please ensure to check your email for the date and times of the swabbing clinics and the updated COVID-19 Virus Test Requisition form to be completed.

Rapid antigen testing continues at SJV Villa site.  Swabbing is occurring daily.  Please see you email for additional communications regarding antigen testing at your site.

Please remain vigilant and immediately self-isolate and report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to your immediate supervisor.

Vaccines

On March 16, 2021, we received communications from Sudbury & District Public Health to clarify the COVID-19 vaccine 2^nd dose interval extension to 16 weeks issued by the Province on March 10, 2021.  Staff and essential caregivers who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on March 10, 2021 or later will be booked for their second dose at the extended 16-week interval. Public Health will rebook all appointments for second doses according to this schedule. Individuals will be informed of their new appointment either through email or phone and do not need to take any actions themselves.

Additional vaccination clinic dates will be scheduled shortly by the Sudbury & District Public Health Unit.  Please ensure to check your email daily for information on the upcoming clinics as they relate to our facilities, as time is of the essence to make appointments before the cut off times.

Getting vaccinated is critical to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and our most vulnerable individuals from COVID-19. Each additional person vaccinated brings us one step closer to eliminating COVID-19 from our facilities and our community.

Wage Enhancement

On March 18, 2021, the Ontario government announced that it will be extending the temporary wage enhancements for personal support workers and direct support workers in publicly funded home and community care, long-term care, public hospitals, and social services sectors. The temporary wage enhancement will continue until June 30, 2021.

Federal Update

As of March 23, 2021, across Canada, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 938,719 of which 35,844 remain active.  To date there are 22,716 deaths recorded.

Provincial Update

As of March 23, 2021, in Ontario, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 332,119 which is an increase of 1,546 – this includes 309,849 resolved cases and 7,253 reported deaths. To date 299,297 individuals are fully vaccinated.

Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) remains in effect.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is in the Grey – Lockdown zone.

Local Update

• Sudbury & Districts Public Health Unit – 269

Health Facilities in outbreak:

• Extendicare Falconbridge
• Villa St. Gabriel Villa
• Health Sciences North (4^th & 6^th floor, South Tower; 7B North Tower)
• Christian Horizons

Schools in outbreak:

• Confederation Secondary School
• Lockerby Composite School
• Immaculate Conception School

HSN is reporting 19 confirmed cases (6 ICU; 13 other unit)

In Closing…

This Sunday March 28^th is the 10 Year Anniversary of the Opening of Villa St. Gabriel Villa.  It is hard to believe that the time has passed this quickly.  I am so proud to be part of this awesome LTC home.  I hope that you are proud too!  You are such an awesome and dedicated group of individuals who provide quality and safe care to our residents on a daily basis 365 days a year.  Please join me in celebrating the 365 days of care you have provided to our residents.  Hats will be handed out to all staff and residents starting on March 26^th to assist in commemorating this special day.  Please celebrate this occasion with great pride.

This Sunday, March 28, 2021, is Palm Sunday – the commemoration of the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem.  Palm Sunday signifies the beginning of Holy Week which continues to Saturday April 3, 2021.  Let us remember with devotion this entry which began Jesus’ saving work and follow Him with a lively faith.

God bless you all.  May the spirit of this holy occasion, the warmth of the season make your heart bloom with joy and happiness. Have a blessed Palm Sunday.

Please Remember…
Staying Healthy and Staying Safe, Safe Lives!

Additional Resources

Ontario.ca/COVID-19

Public Health Ontario

Sudbury & District Public Health

Covid-19-self-assessment

COVID-19-Assessment-Centre in the Greater City of Sudbury

COVID-19 results

“They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”  by Maya Angelou

A year has now passed since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic for COVID-19. We all want this pandemic to be over, for life to get back to normal, or at least begin to understand what the new normal may look like.

It will take many more months for this to happen as vaccination efforts are slowly progressing within our community. I am constantly grateful for your courage and that of all the essential workers who help preserve our community’s dignity during these unprecedented times. No single expression of thanks can ever be enough to match the sacrifices you have all made this past year and continue to make indefinitely.

Internal Updates

Facility COVID Outbreaks

Villa St. Gabriel Villa – A COVID outbreak was declared on March 12, 2021 for one positive staff variant case.   All contact tracing, PCR swabbing, and isolation/outbreak precautions have been put into place.  Essential visitors have been notified with the new protocols.   As per the Ministry Directives, PCR testing will now occur at a minimum every 3-4 days until the outbreak is over.  PCR testing is being completed today and tomorrow for all staff and residents.

SJCCC – South Bay Road Site – The COVID outbreak for the one positive staff case will be declared over at midnight tonight.  A special thank you to everyone for all your hard work over the past two weeks in keeping our patients and staff safe.  Thank you for being rock stars in containing the virus.

SJCCC – Clarion Hotel Site – The COVID outbreak for the one positive case was declared over on Monday, March 15, 2021.  A special thank you to everyone for all your hard work over the past two weeks in keeping our patients and staff safe.  You did an awesome job containing the spread particularly given the physical space limitations at the Clarion site. Thank you.

**Please remember to check your emails daily for any updates on the outbreaks specific to the site that you work at.

Surveillance Swabbing

SJCCC and the Clarion site continue to swab weekly.  Surveillance swabbing information is provided via email to all staff.  Please ensure to check your email for the date and times of the swabbing clinics and the updated COVID-19 Virus Test Requisition form to be completed.

Rapid antigen testing continues at SJV Villa site.  Swabbing is occurring daily.  Please see your email for additional communications regarding antigen testing at your site.

Due to the outbreak at VSGV the Rapid Antigen Swabbing will be paused, and PCR testing will replace the process until such time that the outbreak is over.

Please remain vigilant and immediately self-isolate and report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to your immediate supervisor.

Vaccines

On March 9, 2021, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, confirmed the province will be following the latest recommendations from the National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI) to extend the time interval between the first and second vaccine doses up to 16 weeks for all three vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Astra Zeneca/COVISHIELD) to ensure as many Ontarians as possible can benefit from the protection of a first vaccine dose.

The extension to the vaccine program went into effect on March 10th, 2021. Essential caregivers and staff of long-term care homes are now set to receive their second vaccine dose at the updated 16-week interval.

The Sudbury and District Public Health Units continues to release upcoming vaccination clinic dates on their website.  Please ensure to check your email daily for information on the upcoming clinics as they relate to our facilities, as time is of the essence to make appointments before the cut off times.

As an organization we are working to build vaccine confidence.  If you are wavering or still have questions about the vaccine, please speak with your Supervisor who can direct you to where you can access the answers you are looking for.

Getting vaccinated is critical to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and our most vulnerable individuals from COVID-19.

Each additional person vaccinated brings us one step closer to eliminating COVID-19 from our facilities and our community.

Federal Update

As of March 16, 2021, across Canada, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 913,047 of which 31,630 remain active.  To date there are 22,495 deaths recorded.

Provincial Update

As of March 16, 2021, in Ontario, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 320,448 which is an increase of 1,074 – this includes 300,769 resolved cases and 7,173 (+11) reported deaths.

Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) remains in effect.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is in the Grey – Lockdown zone.

Local Update

• Sudbury & Districts Public Health Unit – 243

Health Facilities in outbreak:

• Health Sciences North (4^th & 6^th floor, South Tower)
• Villa St. Gabriel Villa
• The Walford

Schools in outbreak:

• Lockerby Composite School
• Immaculate Conception School
• Walden Public School
• Collège Notre-Dame
• École Alliance St-Joseph school
• Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School

HSN is reporting 10 confirmed cases (2 ICU; 8 other unit)

In Closing…

The St. Joseph’s Health Centre Board of Directors wishes to recognize and thank deeply every person who works at each of St. Joseph’s Health Centre, St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre, St. Joseph’s Villa, Villa St. Gabriel Villa and at the Clarion Hotel site for keeping our residents and patients healthy, safe, nourished, moving, and hopeful.  In addition, we also thank the families who stand behind all our staff, who too make difficult sacrifices to support you each and every day.

The second wave may be nearly behind us, however the prediction of a third wave appears to be imminent.  As we worry about the road ahead, and as we reflect on what may come next, let us remain grateful to all those individuals who have given selflessly to maintain not only the healthcare but the community services and supports we rely on most. Take a moment to thank them, whenever you can.

Please continue to Be kind and to be patient to one another.  Stay strong!

Remember…   Staying Healthy and Staying Safe, Saves Lives!

Additional Resources

Ontario.ca/COVID-19

Public Health Ontario

Sudbury & District Public Health

Covid-19-self-assessment

COVID-19-Assessment-Centre in the Greater City of Sudbury

COVID-19 results

“You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.”  Patch Adams

COVID-19 has been and will be a documented difficult time in our history, but we are now forging ahead and finding new ways to live and function with the virus the best way we can.
Thursday March 11^th marks the one year anniversary that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that global pandemic.
Wow- so much has changed since this time last year!!!

Internal Updates

Surveillance Swabbing

SJCCC and the Clarion site continue to swab weekly.  Surveillance swabbing information is provided via email to all staff.  Please ensure to check your email for the date and times of the swabbing clinics and the updated COVID-19 Virus Test Requisition form to be completed.

Antigen testing continues at both of our Villa sites.  Swabbing is occurring daily.  Please see your email for additional communications regarding antigen testing at your site.

Please remain vigilant and immediately self-isolate and report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to your immediate supervisor.

Vaccines

The remainder of our residents at St. Joseph’s Villa and Villa St. Gabriel Villa received their second vaccination this past week as well as some staff members.
Fabulous news indeed!
A special thank you to all staff who assisted at each site.

Additional Community Vaccine Clinics were held last week at Health Sciences North.
Thank you to all staff who made appointments and went for their vaccines.
We are one step closer to helping eliminate the COVID-19 spread.

New vaccination clinic dates are being released by the Sudbury and District Public Health Units on a regular basis.
Please ensure to check your email daily for information on the upcoming clinics as time is of the essence to make appointments. 

Getting vaccinated is critical to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and our most vulnerable individuals from COVID-19.
Each additional person vaccinated brings us one step closer to eliminating COVID-19 from our facilities and our community.
As an organization we are working to build vaccine confidence.
If you are wavering or still have questions about the vaccine, please speak with your Supervisor who can direct you to where you can access the answers you are looking for.

Provincial Update

As of March 9, 2021, in Ontario, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 311,112 which is an increase of 1,185 – this includes 292,806 resolved cases and 7,083 reported deaths.

Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) remains in effect.
On March 8^th, Public Health Sudbury & Districts moved into the Red – Control zone.

Local Update

• Sudbury & Districts Public Health Unit – 204

Health Facilities in outbreak:

• L’Arche Sudbury – Jericho Group
• Sudbury Developmental Services
• The Walford

Schools in outbreak:

• École Alliance St-Joseph school
• Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School
• Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School
• Algonquin Public School
• Jean Hanson Public School
• Lasalle Secondary School
• Cyril Varney Public School

Potential Exposures

Potential high-risk of exposure to COVID-19 specifically for anyone who attended Urban Air Adventure Park (1066 Barrydowne Road) on Saturday, February 27, 2021.

Actions to take:

Anyone who attended Urban Air Adventure Park on Saturday, February 27, 2021, is advised to follow public health guidance:

• Seek COVID-19 testing as soon as possible. In addition to this, if symptomatic or you become symptomatic at any time, seek testing as soon as possible.
• Even if a negative test result is received, individuals must remain home and self-isolate up until and including March 13, 2021.

HSN is reporting 1 confirmed case.

In Closing…

Building flexibility into our work and our schedules, and creating space for innovation and change, is a pillar of inspiring people and teams.
In the year since COVID-19 changed the way we live and work, we have learned that coming to work and being able to work in isolation or being able to work remotely meets some of these needs, improves work-life balance and eases our anxieties.

We are supporting one another each and everyday.  Collectively we need to remain vigilant and not let the spread of COVID-19 get out of hand.

Please continue to be patient and kind to one another.

Remember…
Staying Healthy and Staying Safe, Safe Lives!

Jo-Anne Palkovits
President and CEO
St. Joseph’s Health Centre

You can help.  http://weblink.donorperfect.com/sjsudbury_CaringBeyond

Your donation will ensure the best care while providing much needed equipment and repairs for St. Joseph’s Villa during this global pandemic.  We need your help.  Thank you. Merci.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes.” — Anne Lamott

Internal Updates

Surveillance Swabbing

SJCCC and the Clarion site continue to swab weekly.  Please ensure to check your email for the date and times of the swabbing clinics so you do not miss the times and days at your site.

We have moved to antigen testing at our Villa sites on March 1, 2021.  At these sites we are swabbing every day.

Please remain vigilant and immediately self-isolate and report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to your immediate supervisor.

Vaccines

Many of our staff were vaccinated at the Community Vaccine Clinic at the Carmichael Arena last week on Thursday and Friday.  Thank you to all staff who made appointments and went for their vaccines.  We are one step closer to helping eliminate the COVID-19 spread.

New vaccination clinic dates are being released by the Sudbury and District Public Health Units.  Please ensure to check your email daily for information on the upcoming clinics as time is of the essence to make appointments before the cut off times.

If you are wavering or still have questions about the vaccine, please speak with your Supervisor who can direct you to where you can access the answers you are looking for.   You are encouraged to get the vaccine in order to protect not only yourself but also your loved ones, particularly those who are older and our patients and residents.

Provincial Update

As of March 3, 2021, in Ontario, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 303,763 which is an increase of 958 – this includes 286,352 resolved cases and 7,014 reported deaths.

Northern Ontario Active Cases

• Algoma Public Health – 5 (Yellow Zone)
• North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit – 5 (Stay-at-home order)
• Northwestern Health Unit – 480 (Yellow Zone)
• Porcupine Health Unit – 15 (Orange Zone)
• Sudbury & Districts Public Health Unit – 98 (Orange Zone)
• Timiskaming Health Unit – 2 (Green Zone)
• Thunder Bay District Health Unit – 374 (Grey-Lockdown)

Local Update

Health Facilities in outbreak:

• Sudbury Developmental Services
• The Walford

Schools in outbreak:

• Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School
• Algonquin Public School
• Jean Hanson Public School
• Lasalle Secondary School
• Cyril Varney Public School

HSN is reporting no confirmed COVID-19 cases.

In Closing…

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it prolongs the need to maintain physical distancing practices in tandem with adherence to lockdown protocols restricting in-person interactions in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of the virus. While these measures help to keep our communities, families and workplaces safe, it brings with it unique challenges such as loss of routines, isolation fatigue and loneliness. In the face of these challenges, it is even more important for us to practice self-care strategies and to nurture the positive relationships and connections in our lives.

Traditions are important – you are reminded to keep to your routines, as much as you can; keep exercising; and celebrate with friends and family virtually.

Collectively we need to remain vigilant and not let the spread of COVID-19 get out of hand.

Thank you for all your hard work and efforts this past week.  Please continue to be patient and kind to one another.

Remember…  

Staying Healthy and Staying Safe, Safe Lives!

Additional Resources

Ontario.ca/COVID-19

Public Health Ontario

Sudbury & District Public Health

Covid-19-self-assessment

COVID-19-Assessment-Centre in the Greater City of Sudbury

COVID-19 results

“One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.”  Unknown

Most of us have experienced chaos in some form in our lives, some of us especially in this past year. Almost every day we are reminded that life is so fragile, here one day and gone the next. But life is also resilient. Against all odds, it finds a way.

February 17^th marked Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the forty days of Lent in the Christian calendar—a time of reflection on mortality and the fleeting nature of life.

Internal Updates

Surveillance Swabbing

All sites continue to swab all staff WEEKLY.  Please ensure to check your facility’s swabbing schedule to make sure that you do not miss the times and days at your site.

We will be moving to antigen testing at our Villa sites on March 1, 2021.  Information on the process and how we will be transitioning from our current surveillance swabbing to the new Rapid Antigen surveillance program will be communicated as the program is introduced at both sites.

Please remain vigilant and immediately self-isolate and report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to your immediate supervisor.

Effective February 22^nd  SJCCC staff are required to show their negative COVID-19 swab results within the past 10 days to gain access to SJCCC at both the South Bay Road and Clarion sites.

Vaccines

We have received communications from the Sudbury and District Public Health Unit on when we will be receiving further vaccines for our residents and staff.  Community Vaccination clinics have been scheduled by the PHSD.  Information has been sent to staff at our long term care sites regarding vaccinations and how to register and where to get the vaccine.  Please ensure to check your email for this information and to book your appointments.  Community vaccines are taking place this Thursday and Friday.

If you are wavering or still have questions about the vaccine please speak with your Supervisor who can direct you to where you can access the answers you are looking for.   You are encouraged to please seriously consider getting the vaccine in order to protect not only yourself but also your loved ones, particularly those who are older and our patients and residents.

Provincial Update

As of February 23, 2021, in Ontario, the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 295,119 which is an increase of 975 – this includes 277,939 resolved cases and 6,884 reported deaths.

• Northern Ontario Active Cases
• Algoma Public Health – 4
• North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit – 30
• Northwestern Health Unit – 97
• Porcupine Health Unit – 25
• Sudbury & Districts Public Health Unit – 21
• Timiskaming Health Unit – 0
• Thunder Bay District Health Unit – 257

Local Update

Public Health Sudbury & District area remains in the “Orange -Restrict” zone.

The following facilities remain in outbreak:

• Cecil Facer (Cottage #3)
• Pioneer Manor
• The Elizabeth Centre
• Amberwood Suites

HSN is reporting 6 confirmed cases (2 in ICU; 4 on another unit).

In Closing…

Not every day is easy, but it doesn’t mean we stop doing our part. Each day that we recommit to taking the necessary precautions gets us closer to where we want to be.  Real progress has been made over the past few weeks with the distribution of the vaccines in the Public Health Sudbury and District area.  Collectively we need to remain vigilant and not let the spread of COVID-19 get out of hand.

Thank you for all your hard work and efforts this past week.  Please continue to be patient and kind to one another.

Remember…
Staying Healthy and Staying Safe, Safe Lives!

Jo-Anne Palkovits

President and CEO

St. Joseph’s Health Centre