On April 26, an outbreak was declared at Pioneer Manor after a resident tested positive for COVID-19.

On April 27, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reporting six additional COVID-19 cases at the long-term care home—including four staff and two residents.

This now brings the total confirmed cases in the outbreak to seven and a total of 57 cases in the Public Health service area.

“All residents and staff with positive test results are asymptomatic and doing well,” said Aaron Archibald, Director of Long-term Care Services at Pioneer Manor.

“The three residents with positive results are on isolation in private rooms, with staff dedicated to care in these areas only, wearing full personal protective equipment for all interactions. The four staff members who have tested positive are at home self-isolating.”

Cases number 52 and 53 are both women in their 40s who were tested on April 23. They are both currently self-isolating.

Case number 54 is a woman in her 50s who was also tested on April 23. She is self-isolating at this time.

Case 55 is a man in his 70s who has been taken to another institution. He was tested on April 23. Case 56 is a woman in her 80s who has also been taken to another institution. She was tested on April 23.

The 57th case is a woman in her 50s who was tested on April 24. She is currently self-isolating.

All six cases are listed as unknown exposure type with no travel history or known contact with another case.

“This is very difficult news to hear, and will certainly be concerning for residents, families, caregivers and the community. I want to reiterate that the health, safety, and care of our residents and staff is our highest and first priority,” said Archibald.

“We continue to take swift action to stop the spread of the virus through rigorous infection management practices and protocols. Our staff are highly trained and experienced, and we will continue to work closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts to ensure every possible step is being taken to protect everyone at Pioneer Manor. Last week, we proactively tested all residents and staff of the Home, and have currently received more than 80 per cent of our test results.”

“We continue to work very closely with Pioneer Manor to manage the outbreak and to ensure all cases are thoroughly investigated,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

“I understand that this news can be very upsetting for residents and their families. I know I share the sentiments of Pioneer Manor staff and all families of residents in their relief in knowing that all residents are doing well,” said Dr. Sutcliffe.