Following a directive received early this morning from Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) has restricted access to the Prescott and Russell Residence, the 146-bed long-term care home located in Hawkesbury.
In order to maintain a safe and secure environment for residents, the Ministry of Health has strongly recommended that long-term care homes only allow essential visitors until further notice. Essential visitors are defined as those visiting residents who are very ill or requiring end-of-life care. Visitors must continue to be actively screened, and those who fail the screening will not be permitted to enter.
Only one visitor per resident will be permitted at the same time. Employees and end-of-life service providers will also have access to the building, however, no other visitors will be permitted to enter the premises. Families are requested to communicate with loved ones by phone or other technologies, as available.
“We will re-evaluate this measure on a continual basis and ensure consistency with guidance on enhanced public health measures,” explained Alexandre Gorman, Administrator of the Prescott and Russell Residence. “The safety and well-being of our vulnerable residents are our top priorities. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and ensure that we are as best prepared as possible.”