ST. PAUL - Extendicare Canada confirmed late this afternoon (Dec. 2) that four staff members and one resident have now tested positive for COVID-19 in the St. Paul long-term care facility.
"We can confirm that Extendicare St. Paul has received positive test results for four staff members. The staff members who have tested positive are following the direction they are provided by Communicable Disease Control, including monitoring for symptoms," company spokesperson Laura Gallant stated in an email to LakelandTODAY.ca.
"We have received one positive result among residents and continue to monitor all residents closely for symptoms. We have enhanced infection prevention and control protocols in place and additional PPE requirements for staff. We continue to follow the guidance of Alberta Health Services to contain the spread of the virus."
In the brief statement, Gallant also noted, "Our first priority, as always, is to maintain the health and safety of our residents and staff, while keeping our families well informed."
Alberta Health has publicly identified Extendicare St. Paul as a location of an outbreak, in keeping with its protocol to do so when two or more cases are identified within an acute care or continuing care facility, which is an indication that a transmission has occurred within the facility.
The first case of COVID-19 at the facility was identified in a staff member on Nov. 18.
Extendicare St. Paul is home to 72 residents with care provided by 110 staff members.
