Respiratory outbreak season has begun – seven outbreaks

(UPDATE: H.J. and Hallowell outbreaks declared over Sept. 22 and 23)

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) declared a respiratory outbreak (type unknown) on the Lilac Lane wing Sunday, Sept. 15 at H.J. McFarland Memorial Home in Picton.

It was the latest of seven outbreaks declared this month at local nursing and retirement homes – including a facility-wide COVID-19 respiratory outbreak at Hallowell House in Picton.

The remaining are at facilities in Belleville, including Quinte Gardens (COVID-19); E.J. McQuigge Lodge (CPE); Belmont Montgomery Wing (COVID-19); and Moira Place in Tweed. A COVID-19 outbreak at Quinte Health Belleville (Quinte 5) continues from Aug. 29. Also declared in August, and still not declared over was a COVID-19 outbreak at Stirling Manor.

People experiencing symptoms of a cold or fever should avoid visiting the homes during the respiratory outbreak.

Mandatory masking for staff, patients and visitors in patient-facing areas of Quinte Health hospitals and community-based programs was reinstated Sept. 3 n advance of the respiratory illness season and is to continue until spring 2025.

People are to wear a mask in emergency departments, clinics, waiting rooms, diagnostic imaging and inpatient units (including when visiting patients in their rooms).

Staff, patients and loved ones do not need to mask in non-patient care areas (e.g. offices, hallways, washrooms, lobbies, cafeterias, meeting rooms).

People with symptoms of illness should put on a mask at the hospital entrance and leave it on. Quinte Health requests people do not visit patients if you have any symptoms of illness.