Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COVID-19 OUTBREAK AT THE TURTLE BAY ELDERS LODGE
(Kahnawake – April 21, 2022) Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS) wishes to announce today that we are experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Turtle Bay Elders Lodge (TBEL), where two (2) residents have tested positive for the virus. The two identified residents have been in isolation, have mild symptoms, and are being monitored daily. It is considered an outbreak when two or more positive cases are connected by epidemiological link. KSCS will be working closely with Kahnawà:ke Public Health on measures to contain the outbreak.
Immediate measures at the TBEL will include:
- All residents have been tested and only identified residents are in isolation.
- Testing of all TBEL staff who have worked since April 12, 2022.
- Suspension of visitation for positive cases unless required for physical or mental health purposes, with full screening of visitors and PPE measures in place.
- Visitation for unaffected residents will continue with full screening of visitors and PPE measures in place, with a limit of 2 visitors per day. Visits are limited to residents’ rooms.
- Outings suspended for duration of the outbreak but may be granted to unaffected residents on an individual basis for health and wellness reasons.
- Increased disinfection and PPE measures by TBEL staff
- Increased vigilance and daily health self-assessments by staff and residents
The outbreak will end on May 4, 2022 (14 days from last positive case. End of outbreak date may change if other cases are identified moving forward.)
Although upsetting, we have been prepared for this based on the increasing number of cases, and outbreaks within the community and Quebec. We have excellent IP&C measures at TBEL as has been demonstrated during the past two years with COVID-19 management and past influenza outbreaks. We wish to thank our dedicated staff for their continued vigilance and support to our residents.
-30-
For additional information contact:
Derek Montour,
Executive Director
Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services
450-632-6880
