COVID UPDATE – MARCH 8 – MENNO HOSPITAL COVID EXPOSURE

/in ,

COVID-19 EXPOSURE – MENNO HOSPITAL E2 & W2 – March 8, 2021

We have been notified by Public Health that someone at Menno Hospital was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Safe and Essential visits have been cancelled and all who were exposed were swabbed for COVID. Under the direction from Public Health, this was only staff who received a COVID swab.
When we receive the results of those swabs, we expect to hear from Public Health to provide us with further direction. At this time, E2 Hospital and W2 Hospital are under “enhanced monitoring”.
This includes:
  • Tray service in the resident rooms
  • Recreation in group activities is halted for now
  • Social visits and Essential visits are cancelled
  • Enhanced cleaning and COVID screening continues
We will keep you posted about other aspects of enhanced monitoring as we become aware through Public Health.
E1 Menno Hospital will continue to have safe visits, dining in the dining room and group recreational activities.
Here is a letter from Fraser Health to the families and residents of Menno Hospital E2 and W2:
March 8, 2021
Dear Residents and Families of Menno Hospital,
We are writing to notify you that someone at Menno Hospital was diagnosed with COVID-19. The Fraser Health enhanced monitoring team is working with the staff and medical staff at the home to identify anyone who may have been exposed and to take steps to protect the health of all residents, staff and medical staff. Our Medical Health Officer has not declared a COVID-19 outbreak at this time.
This exposure does not mean that your family member is sick with COVID-19. Residents, staff and medical staff will be screened twice-daily for any signs of illness. Those who develop symptoms will be isolated, tested for COVID-19 and provided the care they need.
The health and safety of residents, staff and medical staff is our first priority and a responsibility we take very seriously. To date, as part of our proactive management, Fraser Health has worked to ensure enhanced measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at this home.
We know that staying away from your loved one is very difficult and we appreciate that you are cooperating with this request with the goal of keeping residents, staff and medical staff healthy.
Staff and medical staff at this home will continue to provide care and services to our residents to enhance their safety and well-being while maintaining routines where it is safe to do so. We will also keep you up-to-date on any changes related to your family member’s health status.
For general information about COVID-19, call 8-1-1, or visit HealthLinkBC: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-covid-19
If you have further questions, please contact Smitha Varghese, Director of Care, (604) 851-1337, Smitha.Varghese@MennoPlace.ca

COVID UPDATE – MARCH 7, 2021 – SAFE VISIT UPDATE

/in , , ,

COVID-19 Update – March 7, 2021 – Safe Visits

Menno Home – We are pleased to announce that all Designated Visitors of Menno Home residents in E1, E2 and W1 received a phone call last week informing them that the safe visit program is once again available.

Last week was the first week of safe visits for the residents of Menno Home E2, survivors of the COVID outbreak in their unit. This was an emotional time for both families and residents with three days of visits focused on this unit.

The Safe Visit program is a government-funded program whose funding was guaranteed until March 31, 2021. Although we have not had written confirmation of continued funding, we are continuing to provide the safe visits, hiring new staff to carry on where previous Visitation Hosts are not able.

The new Visitation Hosts will begin their work April 1st. Until that time, we are grateful to three casual Visitation Hosts who are picking up shifts enabling us to offer safe visits to all of the Menno Home units in March.

The Safe Visit program continues with the same protocols and guidelines as it had prior to the outbreak and prior to vaccination. We have not heard that there will be any changes to the program.

You can read about the Safe Visit program here: https://mennoplacelife.com/safe-visits/

Menno Hospital – We are operating the Safe Visit program at capacity with many happy residents eager to visit their loved one. Menno Hospital has been using a microphone/speaker system that enables residents to more easily hear their visitor. This is such a success, we have ordered one for Menno Home as well.

Terrace East – We continue to have one Visitation Host providing Safe Visits for the Assisted Living residents in Terrace East. The demand for these visits does not fill the booking calendar, so there is opportunity for Terrace East visitors to book more visits if you would like.

Vaccination Updates – Menno Place

/in , , , ,

Vaccination Updates – Menno Place – February 13, 2021

Menno Hospital – 2nd doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were given to the residents today.

Menno Home – We are expecting that 2nd doses of Pfizer-BioNTech will happen mid-March, but have not received confirmation of the date.

Terrace East – Assisted Living – 2nd doses of Pfizer-BioNTech will be given to residents on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. This is only for residents. Staff and any visitors who were vaccinated will need to book their 2nd dose through the Fraser Health online booking. For 2nd dose information, contact connect@mennoplace.ca

Independent Living – Primrose Gardens, Terrace West, Pavilion

EngAge BC has just received confirmation that independent living residents will receive COVID-19 vaccinations in phase two of the vaccine’s roll out (subject to supply). As such, it is expected that vaccines could begin to roll out in independent living as early as the beginning of March. This timing will coincide with the vaccination of home health employees.

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 15 – MENNOPLACE

/in , , , , ,

We are pleased to let you know that the daily updates will now become less frequent as we anticipate coming off droplet precautions and isolation. If there is news, it will be posted and emailed to you at 5am the following day if you subscribe to our Family and Friends Newsletter.

Menno Place staff will begin receiving their 2nd dose vaccination January 18th, 35 days after their 1st dose. Residents to follow.

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 15, 2021

MENNO HOME

We are working with Fraser Health and the Medical Health Officer to determine the next steps. Great news – Menno Home E1 and Menno Home W2 are off of droplet precautions!

Next steps are to assess whether or not we can take residents in Menno Home E2 off of droplet precaution – and when we can call the outbreak OVER! Once all the residents are off of droplet precautions, we will work to re-start the Safe Visits program. Residents received their 1st dose of BioNTech Vaccine on January 13th. They will receive their 2nd dose 35 days later, around Feb. 19th. Essential visitors (what are the guidelines?) qualify for vaccination. Please contact Garry.Janzen@MennoPlace.ca for instruction if you are an essential visitor.

MENNO HOME E2 – COVID OUTBREAK

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0
TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 67 (42 residents in Menno Home E2 & 25 staff Home E2)
PASSED AWAY = Total = 13 residents
RECOVERED RESIDENTS = 27

MENNO HOSPITAL

Safe-Visits continue. Residents received their 1st dose of BioNTech Vaccine on December 31st. They will receive their 2nd dose 35 days later, around February 4th. Essential visitors (what are the guidelines?) qualify for vaccination. Please contact Garry.Janzen@MennoPlace.ca for instruction if you are an essential visitor.

ASSISTED LIVING – TERRACE EAST

Terrace East residents were vaccinated on January 2, 2021. They will receive their 2nd dose 35 days later, around

Essential visitors (what are the guidelines?) qualify for vaccination. Please contact Garry.Janzen@MennoPlace.ca for instruction if you are an essential visitor.

INDEPENDENT LIVING – PRIMROSE GARDENS, TERRACE WEST, PAVILION

Pavilion continues to be on isolation. Isolation will end on January 17th at midnight if there are no further COVID positive cases in the Pavilion.

We continue to anticipate that Independent Living residents will receive vaccination shortly. Please hand in your completed PARIS consents to Reception.

Be prepared for when it is your turn! Follow these steps – CLICK HERE

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 12 – MENNO HOME, APARTMENT ISOLATION AND COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

/in , , , , , ,

We are sorry to share that a 13th resident has succumbed to COVID in Menno Home E2. Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of this resident.

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 12, 2021

Menno Home residents will receive Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination on Wednesday, January 13, 2021! Exciting!

MENNO HOME E2 – COVID OUTBREAK

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0
TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 67 (42 residents in Menno Home E2 & 25 staff Home E2)
PASSED AWAY = Total = 13 residents
RECOVERED RESIDENTS = 27

MENNO HOME W1

Safe visits will begin when all units are taken off of droplet precautions / outbreak.

MENNO HOME W2

No new COVID positive cases. COVID point prevalence testing was done on Jan. 12th.

APARTMENTS ISOLATION

All of Pavilion swab results completed on January 8th are NEGATIVE! The Public Health Officer has now identified the exposure date as January 3rd, so all residents will remain isolated until January 17th at midnight if there are no additional positives.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

MENNO HOME – Residents will be vaccinated on Wednesday, January 13th. YAY!!!

INDEPENDENT LIVING – PRIMROSE GARDENS, TERRACE WEST, PAVILION – HAND YOUR COMPLETED PARIS CONSENTS TO RECEPTION. FOLLOW YOUR MEMO. Be prepared for when it is your turn! Follow these steps – CLICK HERE

—————–

CLICK HERE for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines.

COVID Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Efficacy – How effective is the vaccine after one dose? After two doses?

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS – We know that these protocols continue even after vaccination.

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 11 – MENNO HOME, APARTMENT ISOLATION AND COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

/in , , , , , ,

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 11, 2021

Menno Home residents will receive Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination on Wednesday, January 13, 2021

MENNO HOME E2 – COVID OUTBREAK

No new COVID positive cases – See Previous Report

MENNO HOME W1

Safe visits will begin when all units are taken off of droplet precautions / outbreak.

MENNO HOME W2

No new COVID positive cases. COVID point prevalence testing will be done on January 12

APARTMENTS ISOLATION

All of Pavilion remains on isolation as we await the COVID swab tests results. Please call Cheryl Dawes with your test results (negative or positive) if you haven’t already informed Menno Place – 604.851.4020

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

MENNO HOME – Residents will be vaccinated on Wednesday, January 13th.

INDEPENDENT LIVING – PRIMROSE GARDENS, TERRACE WEST, PAVILION – Be prepared for when it is your turn! Follow these steps – CLICK HERE

—————–

CLICK HERE for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines.

COVID Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Efficacy – How effective is the vaccine after one dose? After two doses?

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS – We know that these protocols continue even after vaccination.

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 7 – MENNO HOME, APARTMENT ISOLATION AND COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

/in , , , , , ,

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 7, 2021

MENNO HOME E2 – COVID OUTBREAK

No news COVID cases – See Previous Report

MENNO HOME W1

Today, Menno Home W1 was taken off droplet precaution to return to “normal” COVID precautions!

MENNO HOME W2

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0
TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 staff )
PASSED AWAY = 0
COVID testing was done on January 2, 2021 for residents and any staff who were exposed.
ALL residents swabs returned negative. We are waiting for staff swab results to be returned.

APARTMENTS ISOLATION

All of Pavilion is on isolation due to a COVID exposure by a resident. We presume that this resident contracted COVID at the hospital. 3rd floor residents will be swabbed for COVID

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

MENNO HOME – We are prepared for vaccinations when we hear that it is our turn!

INDEPENDENT LIVING – PRIMROSE GARDENS, TERRACE WEST, PAVILION – We are preparing for vaccinations – please follow the steps on this page – CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines.

COVID Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Efficacy – How effective is the vaccine after one dose? After two doses?

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS – We know that these protocols continue even after vaccination.

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 5 – MENNO HOME, APARTMENT ISOLATION AND COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

/in , , , , , ,

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 5, 2021

MENNO HOME E2 – COVID OUTBREAK

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0
TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 67 (42 residents in Menno Home E2 & 25 staff Home E2)
PASSED AWAY = Total = 12 residents
RECOVERED RESIDENTS = 27

MENNO HOME W1

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0
TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES =2 (1 resident  & 1 staff )
PASSED AWAY = Total = 1 resident
We are waiting to hear if we can take this unit off of droplet precaution. Hopeful, but no answer about this, yet.

MENNO HOME W2

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0
TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 staff )
PASSED AWAY = 0
COVID testing was done on January 2, 2021 for residents and any staff who were exposed.
ALL residents swabs returned negative. We are waiting for staff swab results to be returned.

MENNO HOME E1

There was some confusion about the E1 staff member who tested positive. As it turns out, Public Health has determined the result is negative for COVID. This is a very hopeful communication that we received!

APARTMENTS ISOLATION

The Apartments have 18 residents on isolation due to COVID-19 exposure – CLICK HERE FOR REPORT
All residents will be taken off isolation at midnight on January 5, 2021.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

MENNO PLACE STAFF – 70 staff, doctors, pharmacists were vaccinated in the COVID-19 drop-in clinic today.

MENNO HOME – Units will need to be off of droplet precaution or outbreak in order to have the immunization team come and do the vaccinations.

MENNO HOSPITAL  – Completed Dec. 31, 2021

ASSISTED LIVING – TERRACE EAST – Vaccinations with Pfizer-BioNTech completed on Saturday, January 2, 2021

INDEPENDENT LIVING – PRIMROSE GARDENS, TERRACE WEST, PAVILION – We are advocating but do not have any confirmation when Independent Living residents will receive vaccination. On January 4, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Public Health Officer announced that the groups who can expect their first dose of vaccine in February include “community-based” seniors who are at least 80 years of age. This will likely include the Independent Living Apartments: Primrose Gardens, Terrace West, Pavilion.

CLICK HERE for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines.

COVID Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Efficacy – How effective is the vaccine after one dose? After two doses?

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS – We know that these protocols continue even after vaccination.

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 4 – MENNO HOME, APARTMENT ISOLATION AND COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

/in , , , , , ,

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 4, 2021

MENNO HOME E2 – COVID OUTBREAK

We are sorry to let you know that the 12th resident on Home E2 has passed away from COVID.
NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 staff
TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 67 (42 residents in Menno Home E2 & 25 staff Home E2)
PASSED AWAY = Total = 12 residents
RECOVERED RESIDENTS = 27

MENNO HOME W1

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0
TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 2 (1 resident  & 1 staff )
PASSED AWAY = Total = 1 resident
Point Prevalence testing will be done on January 5th – swabs of all residents and staff who are negative.

MENNO HOME W2

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0
TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 staff )
PASSED AWAY = 0
COVID testing was done on January 2, 2021 for residents and any staff who were exposed.
ALL residents swabs returned negative. We are waiting for staff swab results to be returned.

MENNO HOME E1

There was some confusion about the E1 staff member who tested positive. As it turns out, Public Health has determined the result is negative for COVID. This is a very hopeful communication that we received!

APARTMENTS ISOLATION

The Apartments have 18 residents on isolation due to COVID-19 exposure – CLICK HERE FOR REPORT
If there are no positives and no symptoms, these 18 residents are due to come off of isolation in all 4 buildings tomorrow, 14 days after the last exposure, December 22, 2020.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

MENNO PLACE STAFF – A drop-in clinic for 75 staff will take place tomorrow. We are grateful for the continued opportunity to vaccinate our team at Menno Place.

MENNO HOME – Postponed due to new COVID exposures and continued droplet precautions.
We have been advised by Fraser Health that vaccinations are not being done on COVID Outbreak or COVID Exposed units in any long-term care homes.

MENNO HOSPITAL  – Completed Dec. 31, 2021

ASSISTED LIVING – TERRACE EAST – Vaccinations with Pfizer-BioNTech completed on Saturday, January 2, 2021

INDEPENDENT LIVING – PRIMROSE GARDENS, TERRACE WEST, PAVILION – We are advocating but do not have any confirmation when Independent Living residents will receive vaccination.

CLICK HERE for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines.

COVID Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Efficacy – How effective is the vaccine after one dose? After two doses?

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS – We know that these protocols continue even after vaccination.

WHAT ARE THE RULES NOW THAT WE HAVE BEEN VACCINATED?

/in , ,

What are the rules now that we have been vaccinated?

Once you have received the Pfizer-BioNTech first dose of vaccine, you will experience a 52% vaccine efficacy (effectiveness) in protection, starting 12 days after your first dose. The vaccine efficacy does not rise to 95% until 7 or more days AFTER your 2nd dose of the vaccine: CLICK HERE TO READ THE PFIZER-BIONTECH EFFICACY STUDY

As a result, we need to continue ALL of our infection control protocols to ensure that we are protecting ourselves and others:

How to Protect Yourself and Others

From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

Wear a mask over your nose and mouth

  • Masks help prevent you from getting or spreading the virus.
  • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
  • Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
    • Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • Do NOT use a mask meant for a healthcare worker. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.
  • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.

Stay 6 feet away from others

Avoid crowds

  • Being in crowds like in restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or movie theaters put you at higher risk for COVID-19.

Avoid poorly ventilated spaces

  • Avoid indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors as much as possible. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible

Wash your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • It’s especially important to wash:
    • Before eating or preparing food
    • Before touching your face
    • After using the restroom
    • After leaving a public place
    • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • After handling your mask
    • After changing a diaper
    • After caring for someone sick
    • After touching animals or pets
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect  daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
  • Then, use a household disinfectant. Use products from EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19)external icon according to manufacturer’s labeled directions.

Monitor Your Health Daily

  • Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
    • Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
  • Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.