Due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases among residents and
employees at the Prescott and Russell Residence in Hawkesbury, the
United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) is receiving emergency
assistance from multiple health care agencies, including the Eastern
Ontario Health Unit (EOHU).
To date, 110 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the Residence
since the beginning of the outbreak. Most cases have been asymptomatic,
and 32 cases (involving 22 residents and 10 employees) are now resolved.
One resident has passed away, however the resident’s case was resolved
prior to their death.
Seventy-eight cases remain active, involving 46 residents and 32
employees. Forty-two test results are still pending. The Residence
remains closed to visitors while the outbreak is ongoing.
“This has been a very serious outbreak,” stated Dr. Paul Roumeliotis,
Medical Officer of Health. “However, we want to reassure families and
the community that the Prescott and Russell Residence is receiving
support from multiple health care partners in an effort to bring the
outbreak under control, and to ensure that residents are being well
cared for.”
The EOHU and other health care providers are working with the Residence
to support infection control protocols and to address the staffing
shortages due to the large number staff that have tested positive and
are unable to work. Other teams providing support are the paramedics
from the Prescott and Russell Emergency Services, the Canadian Red
Cross, the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), and the
Ministry of Long-Term Care.
“On behalf of Council, I want to acknowledge that we are in an
unprecedented situation given the latest positive results received, and
that we are all concerned and worried about all of our residents and
staff at the Residence,” explained Pierre Leroux, Warden of the UCPR
Council. “They remain our top priority, and we are thinking of them and
their families during this time.”
“The employees at the Prescott and Russell Residence have been
working around the clock to ensure the continued care of our residents,
as they have been doing since the beginning of this pandemic, with
professionalism and a commitment to keeping our residents safe and
sound. We will get through this situation, as a community,” added
Stéphane P. Parisien, Chief Administrative Officer of the UCPR.