WINNIPEG – The WRHA says they’re seeing active COVID-19 outbreaks in 32 out of the 39 long-term care homes that they oversee in the Winnipeg region. In their latest status update, the health authority pointed to collaboration with EMS providers, managers, staff, and the Canadian Red Cross and other partners in their work to handle the outbreaks.

Of the 32 facilities that currently have outbreaks, 17 of them were only among staff, and five facilities had only one resident who had tested positive. Large scale outbreaks are currently happening at eight of those care homes: Bethania PCH, Charleswood Care Centre, Fred Douglas Lodge, Golden Links Lodge, Holy Family Home, Oakview Place, Park Manor PCH, and St Norbert PCH. An outbreak is declared at a long-term care home if just one resident, staff member, or external service provider tests positive for COVID-19.

There are more than 140 PCH staff members in the Winnipeg area who are actively COVID-positive, but many more are isolating at home as they await test results. Nearly 230 PCH workers have recovered from the virus. In the past month, over 500 Winnipeg-area PCH shifts were filled by redeployed home care workers. 83 students of a new uncertified Health Care Aide training program at Red River College have also been hired to help care for long-term care home residents.

Meanwhile the Canadian Red Cross is providing infection control and prevention guidance at care homes in addition to on-site help at Maples PCH, Golden Links Lodge, St. Norbert PCH, and, more recently, Holy Family Home. The Red Cross is expected to finish their deployment at Maples Personal Care Home today.