Lakeridge Health is pleased to advise that Durham Region Health Department has declared the COVID-19 outbreak at Orchard Villa long-term care home and retirement home over.
Over the last two weeks, there have been no new positive cases confirmed at Orchard Villa. Currently, there are 155 residents with resolved cases. Residents who are “resolved,” are considered recovered from the virus 14 days after they developed symptoms, or in the cases of asymptomatic individuals, 14 days after the time of the first positive test.
“Today marks a meaningful moment for residents at Orchard Villa, their family, friends and loved ones and everyone who has been supporting the efforts to fight the outbreak,” said Susan deRyk, Interim President and CEO. “The effects of the outbreak have been devastating for the entire Orchard Villa community and it will take significant time to heal. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to everyone who has lost a family member, a loved one or a friend at the home to this terrible disease.”
The outbreak was reported at Orchard Villa long-term care home on April 3 and at the retirement home on April 9. On April 21, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Kyle, under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, ordered Lakeridge Health to lead the monitoring and investigation of and response to the COVID-19 outbreak. In partnership with Orchard Villa staff and the Canadian Armed Forces, significant improvements have been made, including strengthening infection control and safety practices, stabilizing the staffing levels, and education and re-education of staff in areas such as the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures, along with rigorous cleaning and disinfection of all parts of the residence, prevented further contamination and spread of the virus.
“The Health Department is pleased to see this turning point for the residents, their families and staff of Orchard Villa long-term care home and retirement home,” said Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health. “While we are truly saddened for those who have lost loved ones during this time, it is heartening to see the progress that has been made. We extend thanks to the Lakeridge Health team, as well as members of the Canadian Armed Forces, for working diligently with the staff of Orchard Villa to help contain, mitigate and control further spread of this virus.”
“We’re proud of the collaborative efforts of the Lakeridge Health team members, Orchard Villa staff and Canadian Armed Forces personnel to ensure a safe and supportive environment for residents and staff,” said Leslie Motz, VP Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Executive. “We are confident that these measures will help to better prepare the home to prevent and manage any outbreaks in the future and protect everyone living in and working at the home.”
"This is an important milestone for the residents, families and staff at Orchard Villa. I would like to thank Lakeridge Health and the Canadian Armed Forces for all their work to stabilize the conditions at Orchard Villa,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “I will continue to monitor the situation and do everything I can to protect our most vulnerable and keep them safe. My thoughts continue to be with the families and residents of Orchard Villa.”
“Today’s change in status is welcome news and we will continue to work collaboratively with Lakeridge Health” said Ryan Bell, CEO of Southbridge Care Homes. “We appreciate that this has been a very difficult time for the families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 and we are very sorry for their loss. We also want to recognize the care workers at Orchard Villa for their strength, commitment, and passion for helping others, and want them to know how deeply we appreciate all that they do.”
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For more information:
Sharon Navarro
Lakeridge Health
905-435-7889
snavarro@lh.ca
