Renfrew County’s top doctor says our health unit is always available if you have concerns.
myFM recently got in touch with a listener whose parent contracted COVID-19 just days after being admitted into a local retirement home who was then allegedly allowed out of isolation and into a shared gathering space on their floor.
Dr. Ian Gemmill, acting Medical Officer of Health with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit says they work closely with care homes in the area to keep COVID from spreading.
He also says to alert the care home if you believe COVID protocols are not being followed. If you’re still concerned that the situation is not being addressed, the next step would be to get in touch with the RCDHU.
Dr. Gemmill adds that care homes and providers should be able to answer most concerns and deal with issues stemming from COVID-19, but does note that the Health Unit is there to make sure they’re held accountable.
Whether it’s a long term care home, a retirement home, or a congregate living facility, Dr. Gemmill says that they are the homes of people who can be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and they have the right to be safe in those spaces.
That’s why he stresses that people need to respect the safety measures put in place even when there isn’t an outbreak, which includes wearing masks and keeping up to date with their vaccines.
The Renfrew County District Health Unit provides weekly updates on COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in care facilities as well as their contact information on their website.
(written by Kasey Egan)
