Huron Lodge ​​COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

2. How is an outbreak determined?

The Ministry of Health states that a single laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 in a resident or staff member may cause a declaration of outbreak, but outbreaks should be declared in collaboration between the home and health unit.

3. When was an outbreak declared at Huron Lodge?

The medical officer of health declared outbreak status for Huron Lodge on December 20, 2020, upon receiving a positive test result for one resident. The outbreak was rescinded on February 11, 2021.

4. Why is COVID-19 spreading so fast? 

Congregate settings, such as long-term care homes, are a microcosm of what is happening in the community and, unfortunately, reflect the positivity rates across Windsor-Essex, which continue to rise. We continue to follow the direction of the Ministry of Long-term Care and the advice from our on-site physician, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and other health care partners to protect residents.

5. Why would the number of reported positive COVID-19 cases on the Huron Lodge website differ from those numbers on the health unit website?

The Windsor Essex County Health Unit reports the cumulative total of positive test results received. Huron Lodge reports the number of COVID-19-positive residents on site and adjusts this number as cases resolve.

6. Why is there a discrepancy between the number of total positive cases and the breakdown of reported cases?

To ensure transparency, Huron Lodge reports the total number of positive test results received and the total number of COVID-positive residents on site. Every resident’s situation is unique. As some residents who test positive may require hospitalization or may be taken home by families, out of respect for our residents’ privacy, we do not report further details.

7. The Moderna vaccine was offered to Huron Lodge in January 2021. Was my loved one vaccinated?

8. When will my loved one get the second dose of Moderna as recommended?

Eligible residents will receive the second dose of the vaccine as required in 28 days.

9. Do I need to sign another consent form or schedule an appointment for the second vaccination?

Consent covers both the first and second vaccine. Eligible residents will automatically be vaccinated with the second dose in 28 days.

10. As a designated caregiver, why do I have to get the Pfizer vaccine at the SportsPlex? Why can’t I get it at Huron Lodge with my loved one?

Huron Lodge received a limited number of Moderna vaccines. This vaccine must be given on the day it is received, and the process is labour intensive. Residents are vaccinated on site to eliminate the risk of leaving the home. As your loved ones are our first priority, our focus is on vaccinating residents to protect their health and well-being.

11. How does Huron Lodge communicate with families?

The main method of communicating with families is our established automated telephone contact, and we have improved our Huron Lodge website with added COVID-19 information. Messages may be left at the nursing station extensions and will be returned at our first opportunity. We regularly and proactively contact families, especially if their family member is positive. As always, we will contact you immediately should any specific concerns regarding your loved one be identified.

12. What is being done to facilitate communications between residents and their families?

Our staff continue to facilitate virtual interactions between residents and families, and we have secured additional iPads to assist with this.

13. What happens if one resident becomes positive in a shared room? Will that resident be moved? 

As noted above, residents will be cohorted where appropriate. Many factors are involved in this type of decision, and it is made in consultation with our on-site physician. Moves often happen very quickly as test results are received. While the safety and well-being of residents is our priority, we make every effort to inform families as quickly as possible.

14. What is Huron Lodge doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Huron Lodge continues to adhere to the most stringent Infection Prevention and Protection (IPAC) protocols and has enhanced cleaning of the entire facility since early March 2020.

Our staff is fully equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in Huron Lodge. Masks (including N95 masks where appropriate), gowns, face shields and gloves are provided as directed by the Ministry of Health and Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. Caregivers are also required to wear appropriate PPE. Residents are provided with masks if requested and well tolerated.

15. How are you protecting residents who have tested negative?

We continue to take appropriate and timely action for containing the virus. Every effort has been made to cohort our negative residents where possible. As mentioned above, staff are following infection prevention and control protocols and wearing their full personal protective equipment (PPE) regardless of interaction with COVID-positive or negative-status residents.

16. How often are those entering Huron Lodge tested for COVID-19?

Effective March 29, 2021, the Ministry of Long Term Care implemented rapid antigen testing for all staff, caregivers and support workers who enter Huron Lodge. Authorized persons entering Huron Lodge must receive one rapid antigen test and one polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test per week or, alternatively, receive three rapid antigen tests per week. The PCR assay laboratory test has been in use for some time and is the test most people are familiar with. The rapid antigen test is a point-of-care test that is becoming more widely available.

17. Are residents also tested weekly for COVID-19? If not, why not?

Testing may be uncomfortable or even painful, and results are only as accurate as that point in time. Residents are elderly, and some may not understand the reason for the tests. Our on-site physician issues requisitions for COVID-19 testing per Ministry of Health and public health guidelines or as deemed necessary based on resident symptoms and/or exposure. 

18. How are cases deemed "resolved?"

Public health guidelines state that individuals must isolate for 10 days and be symptom free for 48 hours before being deemed resolved.

Resident cases are further reviewed by our on-site physician prior to being deemed resolved.

Staff member cases are reviewed by the corporation’s disability management specialist and Human Resources Department prior to being deemed resolved. ​​