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Extendicare Kapuskasing COVID outbreak declared over

'We would like to thank all families and friends across our community for your patience, support and understanding,' reads an update from the long-term care facility
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More than a month after being declared, the COVID-19 outbreak at Extendicare Kapuskasing has ended.

According to the facility, the Porcupine Health Unit declared the outbreak as being done as there have been no new cases in residents or staff for the past two weeks. Yesterday, it was reported that all of the cases at the long-term care home were resolved. 

"We would like to thank all families and friends across our community for your patience, support and understanding as we’ve worked to clear our home of COVID-19," reads the facility's final update on the outbreak.

"We would also like to thank our dedicated front line staff and health partner colleagues who have worked tirelessly to help fight this outbreak from day one, while remaining focused on caring for our residents throughout."

An outbreak of the virus was declared at the home Jan. 7. Since then, there have been 70 confirmed cases, and 16 residents died.

Staff will remain vigilant in following public health guidance and enhanced infection control protocols, according to the news release.

"For our residents, it means we will continue to test residents weekly, and all residents will be screened daily on each shift for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, as has been our practice since the onset of the pandemic. While isolation measures have now lifted, residents are encouraged to continue to adhere to safety practices, including maintaining physical distancing at all times and masking in common areas," it reads.

"For our team members, all protocols remain the same. All personal protective equipment (PPE)  requirements, weekly surveillance testing and infection control practices will continue to be strictly followed. Ongoing education, training and audits will continue on all shifts, with nursing staff dedicated to ensuring best practices. We will also continue to cohort staff, limiting them to only one area to minimize the potential of additional virus spread within the home."