After a rash of initial positive COVID-19 cases associated with long-term care facility Cassellholme in North Bay, officials say the reassessment of those same individuals has returned several negative test results.
According to an update to a press release from Friday announcing the positive test results, 10 essential caregivers who initially tested positive Tuesday, February 16, are being reassessed.
"Seven have retested negative. We're working to arrange retesting for the remaining three. The residents these people care for were immediately moved into isolation and tested. All have been confirmed negative for COVID."
Additionally, two staff members "received positive, low COVID detection results during the same time. Both have been retested as negative."
The announcement states "no one can come into Cassellholme — not even essential caregivers who have negative results. Strict visiting restrictions have been put in place.
"As soon as we are able to open our doors to essential caregivers, we will begin testing again at Cassellholme."
Although the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit reported 13 cases associated with the Cassellholme outbreak Friday evening, the information from Cassellholme only lists 12 individuals having retested negative or under reassessment:
"The Health Unit is reporting that 13 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in relation to this outbreak, however, none of these individuals are residents. One individual has received a preliminary positive result for a Variant of Concern (VOC). The individuals tested positive following routine surveillance testing of staff and essential visitors at the long-term care home. The Health Unit and Cassellholme are working closely together to monitor the situation."
Attempts to reach the Health Unit for clarification on the discrepancy were not returned.
