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#Post#: 5760--------------------------------------------------
2 outbreaks ...Birch Outbreak Declared Over & Oak Outbreak
Update (Canada) Apr 24 2026 & also outbreak over Aug 04 2026
DIR By: Masked Man
Date: April 24, 2026, 6:53 pm
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Birch Outbreak Declared Over & Oak Outbreak Update (Canada)
24 Apr 2026
...two (2) residents have tested positive for RSV...
In collaboration with Public Health, the Birch Home Area has
been declared over. Oak Home Areas remain in Respiratory
Outbreak. Currently, two (2) residents have tested positive for
RSV. All residents remain symptomatic, experiencing coughing,
congestion, and/or a runny nose and are continuing isolation.
Families have been notified, and test results are pending from
Public Health.
Infection Control Measures:
Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Home Area
Follow the 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene
Assist residents with hand hygiene before meals and
throughout the day
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly: put on
before entering and remove before exiting isolation rooms
Oak Residents must remain in their home area
If they insist on leaving, assist with a mask or visor and
encourage outdoor visits
IPAC Surveillance Screener EVERY SHIFT on Oak
Immediate isolation for any new symptoms
Cohort staff when possible;
Cohort residents; small-group activities only for unaffected
residents; isolated residents receive 1:1 activities
Twice-daily high‑touch cleaning with 1‑minute
dwell time
Increased hand hygiene and PPE audits with coaching
No General Visitors to Oak Home Area; maximum 2 essential
caregivers at a time
LINK:
HTML https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/pines-residents-and-families-portal/news_feed/april-24-2026-oak
#Post#: 6284--------------------------------------------------
Re: RSV outbreak ...Birch Outbreak Declared Over & Oak
Outbreak Update (Canada) 24 Apr 2026
DIR By: Masked Man
Date: August 4, 2026, 8:57 pm
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August 4th, 2026- Birch Outbreak Declared Over
04 Aug 2026
In collaboration with Public Health, the Birch Home Area
Respiratory Outbreak has been declared over as of August 4,
2026.
Thank you to all staff, residents, families, caregivers, and
volunteers for your patience, cooperation, and commitment
throughout the outbreak period. Your efforts helped protect the
health and well-being of everyone in our home.
As we return to normal operations, please continue to be
diligent with Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) practices,
including:
Performing proper hand hygiene frequently.
Wearing a mask when required.
Following all posted IPAC guidance and precautions.
Refraining from visiting or coming to work if you are
feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of illness.
Thank you again for your ongoing dedication to maintaining a
safe and healthy environment for our residents and team members.
LINK:
HTML https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/pines-residents-and-families-portal/news_feed/august-4th-2026-birch-outbreak-declared-over
COMMENT: I seem to catch the news of these outbreaks when they
are declared to be over .. nonetheless it is good Birch Home
Area is making all this publicly known. I can't help but think
they should not "return to normal operations " and simply keep
whatever strict health policies and precautions in place for the
possible covid surge. After all there have been two outbreaks in
a row a little over 3 months apart (less than a season apart)
from one another and a summer surge of covid is occurring in
some areas already. Just seems easier to keep the bulk of
precautions in place as the precautions surely are humane and
accommodating to everyone's health.
But at least they are being public about their interests and in
are making public statements about some precautions. Makes ya
wonder if other assisted living or retirement homes are as
forthcoming about their outbreaks. I fear aged care/retirement
homes might underreport such news so anyway it is good Birch
Home is publicly giving us information.
Additional Research Indicates:
Why COVID-19 Prevention Still Matters...
"Citing CDC estimates of 4.2 to 12.7 million new US COVID-19
cases between October 2025 and July 2026, along with hundreds of
thousands of hospitalizations, health officials have highlighted
the persistent public health impact of the virus.
These figures emphasize the ongoing threat COVID-19 poses,
especially for older adults, the immunocompromised, and
individuals with underlying medical conditions. The CDC
estimates that within this timeframe, the burden also resulted
in:
860,000 to 2.3 million outpatient visits
130,000 to 250,000 hospitalizations
14,000 to 42,000 death
In addition to acute infection, the risk of Long COVID continues
to be a major concern for clinicians, especially since household
transmission remains a primary driver of spread."
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