Due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases among residents and employees at the Prescott and Russell Residence in Hawkesbury, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) is receiving emergency assistance from multiple health care agencies, including the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU).

To date, 110 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the Residence since the beginning of the outbreak. Most cases have been asymptomatic, and 32 cases (involving 22 residents and 10 employees) are now resolved. One resident has passed away, however the resident’s case was resolved prior to their death.

Seventy-eight cases remain active, involving 46 residents and 32 employees. Forty-two test results are still pending. The Residence remains closed to visitors while the outbreak is ongoing.

“This has been a very serious outbreak,” stated Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. “However, we want to reassure families and the community that the Prescott and Russell Residence is receiving support from multiple health care partners in an effort to bring the outbreak under control, and to ensure that residents are being well cared for.”

The EOHU and other health care providers are working with the Residence to support infection control protocols and to address the staffing shortages due to the large number staff that have tested positive and are unable to work. Other teams providing support are the paramedics from the Prescott and Russell Emergency Services, the Canadian Red Cross, the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), and the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

“On behalf of Council, I want to acknowledge that we are in an unprecedented situation given the latest positive results received, and that we are all concerned and worried about all of our residents and staff at the Residence,” explained Pierre Leroux, Warden of the UCPR Council. “They remain our top priority, and we are thinking of them and their families during this time.”

“The employees at the Prescott and Russell Residence have been working around the clock to ensure the continued care of our residents, as they have been doing since the beginning of this pandemic, with professionalism and a commitment to keeping our residents safe and sound. We will get through this situation, as a community,” added Stéphane P. Parisien, Chief Administrative Officer of the UCPR.