At least 12 nursing homes in New Brunswick are battling outbreaks of COVID-19 as the province braces for a spike in COVID and flu activity this fall and winter.
That’s more than double the number of nursing home outbreaks at the same time last year, but about half the number in April, shortly after the province lifted all protective measures against COVID.
The dozen outbreaks do not include COVID outbreaks in private nursing homes that are not licensed or funded by the Ministry of Social Development.
The CBC asked for the total number of cases in the 12 confirmed homes, the distribution of infected residents and staff, the number of deaths in each home, if any, and vaccination levels among residents and staff, but department spokeswoman Rebecca Howland referred inquiries to Ministry of Health.
“Earlier in the pandemic, the Department of Health asked Social Development staff to help manage data related to outbreaks in long-term care facilities,” said health spokesman Adam Bowie.
If the department determines that there is a public interest in sharing additional information about outbreaks of COVID-19 in these facilities, we will act in collaboration with our colleagues in the Department of Social Development. – Adam Bowie, spokesman for the Department of Health
“As the New Brunswick government’s response to the pandemic continues to evolve, we have now returned to more traditional reporting practice for COVID-19,” he said in an emailed statement.
Bowie declined to provide any statistics, citing privacy.
He noted that an outbreak of COVID-19 can be declared if at least two confirmed cases are identified within 10 days.
“If the department determines that there is a public interest in sharing additional information about outbreaks of COVID-19 at these facilities, we will act in collaboration with our colleagues at the Department of Social Development.”
Infection prevention control measures are in place to reduce risks to residents, Bowie said.
“The department is monitoring the situation,” he added.
There are 71 licensed nursing homes in the province.
New Brunswick Nursing Home Association CEO Julie Weir could not be reached for comment Thursday.
16 gathering living hearths
The CBC also requested statistics on outbreaks of COVID in private nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, including public housing, memory care homes, special care homes and general care homes.
“Currently, the department is aware of 16 outbreaks in common living areas in the province,” Bowie said in the email. He did not clarify whether this included the 12 licensed nursing home hearths.
“The government cannot provide an exact total number of residential collection facilities in the province, as many are private businesses that are not licensed as long-term care facilities.”
Fredericton Private Nursing Home is closing to visitors
Windsor Court Retirement Residence, an 89-unit private home in Fredericton, is among those declared a COVID outbreak.
“Public health has advised us to close public visits and limit visitors,” Sherry Green, manager of resident services, advised families earlier this week after “additional cases” were confirmed.
Green did not respond to an interview request, but the residents’ families are being asked to choose one designated support person who will be able to visit, according to the notice obtained by CBC News.
Although some residents of Fredericton’s Windsor Court Retirement Residence are eating in their rooms, only those who have tested positive for COVID-19 are in isolation during the outbreak, according to a message sent to families. (Google Street View)
Those living on the third floor and those in need of assistance eat in the canteen, and everyone else eats in their room. “This is to comply with social distancing as well as grouping restrictions from [Public Health]”, the message says.
Activities are also being modified to allow for smaller groups.
“Currently, unless your loved one has tested positive – your family member is not in isolation,” the notice advised.
“Residents are encouraged to get outside, attend their appointments, walk, etc.”
The home “encourages” residents to wear a mask when in hallways or elevators.
Restorative Care will continue to provide services with enhanced cleaning measures, the notice said.
A regional medical officer of health can declare an outbreak over after 10 days have passed since the last “high-risk exposure (close contact), under the direction of public health,” the Health Department spokesman said.
A COVID-19 prevention, case management and outbreak management document is available online for long-term care facilities, the social development spokesperson said.
The document, titled “Living with COVID: Managing COVID-19 for Long-Term Care Homes in New Brunswick,” was prepared by Social Development and Public Health, Howland said.
“The department works with licensed operators of long-term care facilities to ensure residents are safe and cared for,” she said.
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