September 27, 2021 – TERRACE EAST OUTBREAK – New COVID positive = 1 (T=9 in TE)

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COVID UPDATE – September 27, 2021 – Terrace East Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 9 (9 residents TE / 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID POSTIVE: September 27, 2021

PASSED AWAY TODAY: 0 (T=1 resident TE)

We are sorry to report that one more Terrace East resident has tested positive for COVID. This news is very unfortunate as it highlights how important the isolation and COVID testing is for the residents. This resident showed symptoms of COVID and was tested in between the point-prevalence testing. This is why it is critical that all COVID symptoms are reported to the care team (or Reception for other apartment buildings) as the COVID virus load may take some time to reveal either symptoms or a COVID positive result.

There are no changes to the orders for TE residents. No social visitors. All residents are on isolation.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 28th will be another round of point-prevalence testing where all residents and staff will be tested for COVID.

  • Please pray for the residents who are COVID positive. Three are in hospital and struggling as they battle this disease.
  • Please pray for the staff who are getting weary. The lead for Menno Place is Cheryl Dawes, Manager of Community Enrichment who has not had time-off since the first positive case was identified. Please pray for her as she continues to lead the staff and all the infection control protocols.

Every few days, Cheryl’s team conducts 3 types of audits, the results of which are submitted to Fraser Health:

  • Hand hygiene audit – in this audit, the practices of hand hygiene are observed without the knowledge of the staff member. Education for the staff member is provided if required.
  • PPE audit – in this audit, the practices of donning and doffing personal protective equipment are observed. Education for the staff member is provided if required.
  • Environmental audit – in this audit, the auditor places ultraviolet gel or spray on surfaces that should be cleaned in the enhanced cleaning routines. Several days later, the auditor returns with an ultraviolet light and identifies if all the gel/spray has been removed in the course of the cleaning routine.

Fraser Health provides an Educator to help teach and remind staff of these important practices – hand hygiene, ppe usage and enhanced cleaning. We are so pleased with our staff who consistently score above 90% (mostly 100%) in these audits.

Fraser Health also provides mental health support for the staff who are under immense stress and are first-hand observers to the impact of COVID on the individuals whom they love and serve.

  • Please pray for our staff who are supporting the COVID positive residents, knowing that they are exposing themselves to this virus as they provide this support. Pray for them as they grieve the loss of one of the TE residents and understand the gravity of the illness for the three in hospital. Relationships between staff and residents are very strong and meaningful. This is difficult.

As always, we think of the residents who are in isolation in their apartment suites.

  • Please pray for these residents as they find ways to manage the minutes and the hours in isolation. If your loved one is struggling, please call Cheryl Dawes to let her know what is transpiring for them: 604.851.4020