File photo Image: Randy Thoms

A respiratory outbreak at Rainycrest Long Term Care Home in Fort Frances has been declared over by Riverside Health Care and the Northwestern Health Unit.

The outbreak was first declared on April 1 and initially reported in the home’s East Wing.

Visitor restrictions prompted by the outbreak are now lifted.

“Riverside continues to have our detailed safety procedures and infection prevention control practices in place, which are designed to ensure the health and safety of our staff, the community, and those within our care,” states a media release issued by Riverside.

Riverside also reminds the public to prevent getting and spreading infections by:

• Washing hands often, for at least 15 seconds, with soap and warm water or by using an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

• Maintaining good cough and sneeze etiquette (into a tissue, your sleeve or elbow);

• Immediately putting all used tissues in the garbage;

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; and

• Staying at home if sick to avoid spreading infections to others.