Dear Actionmarguerite Families,

 COVID-19 Update #5 – January 7, 2022 – Actionmarguerite St. Boniface, Actionmarguerite St. Joseph, Actionmarguerite St. Vital

Yesterday, we held two (2) virtual family forums, attended by more than 50 family members. As partners in care, we thank you for your presence. If you weren’t able to join us, we are providing the following summary:

Current context

In the broader context, the Province announced today 3,265 new cases of COVID-19. The true number is estimated to be 8 to 10 times this number. The test positivity rate in Winnipeg is at 52.6%. The personal care homes in Winnipeg continue to be critically affected by this wave of COVID-19 with 21 currently on outbreak status.

It is important to note that today’s context is quite different than the last major outbreak at Actionmarguerite St-Boniface in February 2021. For instance, many residents have received their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Actionmarguerite implemented its own mandatory vaccination policy for staff, and outbreak protocols are fine-tuned from the lessons learned in our previous outbreak. The vaccine however does not prevent the vaccinated from getting infected. The Omicron variant is relentless – it is highly contagious, and everyone is at risk of contracting the virus.

Outbreak status

Actionmarguerite St. Boniface

  • 3 floors have declared outbreaks* (2ABC, 4ABC, and 5ABC)
  • An additional seven (7) residents have tested positive for COVID-19 bringing our total to 24 residents
  • 38 staff have tested positive (18 of these employees have since recovered)

Actionmarguerite St. Vital

  • 1 unit has a declared outbreak (3rd floor)
  • Six (6) additional residents have tested positive for a total of 14 residents
  • 12 staff have tested positive (6 of these employees have since recovered)

Actionmarguerite St. Joseph

  • 1 unit has a declared outbreak (1st floor)
  • No additional residents have tested positive for a total of two (2) residents
  • 7 staff have tested positive (3 of these employees have since recovered)

*N.B. For an outbreak to be declared there must be two cases that are linked together. This can include any combination of staff, visitors, and residents.

Resident Care

  • The majority of residents who have COVID-19 are faring well. Rest assured that a member of our care team will reach out to the resident’s primary contact if the condition of your loved one changes.
  • Residents are being cared for in their own room rather than a separate isolation space. Being in their own space is proving to offer familiarity and comfort.
  • Residents who are identified as close contacts of a positive case are also required to isolate.

Phone and Virtual Visits

  • A reminder to families that they can book a phone or virtual visit. Currently, there continues to be availability for families to schedule these visits. Please do not hesitate to reach out as follows:

Staffing

  • Staffing is assessed day-by-day, and the situation can change rapidly.
  • We manage as best we can through assigning overtime shifts, hiring agency nurses, and reassigning Actionmarguerite staff from all departments to where the needs are greatest. Nursing students have returned, and a part-time and retired health care workers have offered their services.
  • As learned in previous outbreaks, it is important to have plans to be agile in the event of further staffing shortages.

Reintegration of designated family caregivers (essential visitors)

  • As we continue to manage and apply all possible measures to limit the spread of the virus, we made the decision to delay the process of welcoming back family members who have indicated their interest in assisting us at this time. We are continuously assessing the risks involved and are working on finding a balanced way of welcoming essential visitors back when it will be safer to do so, as we recognize the importance of family presence on everyone’s health and wellbeing.
  • We are asking Designated Family Caregivers (Essential Visitors) in our personal care homes to provide us with your name and contact information should you be ready and willing to support our efforts if needed (e.g., assistance at mealtime). Please send your name and contact information to our team:

Communication with families

Participants on the call appreciate the regular updates as well as the Virtual Family Forums.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach us at info@actionmarguerite.ca.

Expressions of gratitude go out to each of you for your continued understanding, support and for trusting in the people of Actionmarguerite during these times.

In a spirit of unity and solidarity,

Micheline St-Hilaire, Chief Executive Officer & the entire Actionmarguerite Team