A rhinovirus outbreak at Golden Plough Lodge has expanded beyond its original resident home area and is now considered facility wide after additional cases were identified.
The outbreak was first declared on July 13 in the McMillan Garden unit. It has now spread to McMillan Cottage, prompting the lodge’s Outbreak Management Team to expand the declaration. Officials say there are currently three confirmed cases and five suspected cases between the two resident home areas.
To help prevent further transmission, residents who are symptomatic or identified as close contacts are being isolated in their rooms whenever possible. Those considered close exposures will remain in isolation for a minimum of five days while staff monitor them for symptoms.
Dining room service has been suspended in both McMillan Garden and McMillan Cottage, while respiratory testing continues for symptomatic residents. Staff are conducting health checks each shift, and families, substitute decision makers and powers of attorney will be notified if a resident tests positive.
Golden Plough Lodge is strongly discouraging non essential visits while the outbreak remains in effect. Visitors entering McMillan Garden or McMillan Cottage are encouraged to wear a mask, and visits should take place in residents’ rooms whenever possible. Anyone visiting a resident in isolation must follow personal protective equipment requirements.
As an additional precaution, all Life Enrichment group activities throughout the facility have been temporarily suspended until further notice. Officials say the enhanced measures are intended to contain the outbreak as quickly as possible and further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
