The man in his 70s is in isolation in a private room

The City of Greater Sudbury has confirmed a resident of Pioneer Manor has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the declaration of an outbreak at the long-term care home.

Ministry of Health direction requires a COVID-19 outbreak be declared with a single laboratory-confirmed case in a resident or staff member.

"It was for this exact reason that we proactively tested all residents and staff at Pioneer Manor to determine if we had asymptomatic residents or staff in our facility, and if found, to stop the spread," said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger, in a press release.

"Although concerning, after all of the precautions and controls that staff have put in place to prevent the spread of the virus, the identification and isolation of asymptomatic people is the best way to protect our residents and staff throughout this crisis. But let us also take this example to reinforce that we all must remain vigilant and strong. As cases recede across Ontario we can not rest or relax our efforts.

“Our most vulnerable community members are those residing in facilities like Pioneer Manor. We owe it to them and to their families to stay home, keep six feet apart when out and do everything we can to flatten this curve. Lives are at stake, let's keep that top of mind when we are making choices in the days to come."

In this case, a man in his 70s tested positive on April 26, and is under active follow up with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts to 51.

“The resident is no longer experiencing symptoms and is doing well,” said Aaron Archibald, director of long-term care services at Pioneer Manor.

“He is in isolation in a private room. All other residents in this area were put on isolation and staff caring for them are not performing work outside of this area, wherever possible. Pioneer Manor continues to work closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts to ensure the safety of residents and staff.

“The risk of infection in the home remains low. All 423 residents and 432 staff of the home have been tested. This is the only positive test result to date, and numerous negative results have already been received for residents in the same area of the home. We will continue to enhance precautions, and I am confident in the expertise and experience of the staff at Pioneer Manor to safely manage this situation.’

“This case marks the second long-term care home outbreak related to COVID-19 in Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, chief medical officer of health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “At this time, there are no cases among staff at Pioneer Manor.

“With the declaration of an outbreak, additional control measures are put in place and overseen by an outbreak control team. This is in addition to the already stringent COVID-19 protection actions in place as required by provincial orders and guidance.”