An outbreak of Covid-19 has been declared at the District of Kenora Home for the Aged’s Pinecrest facility.

On September 26th a respiratory outbreak was declared on Unit 2 with four residents being isolated, and six others with respiratory symptoms but are negative for the virus.

Three days later the outbreak expanded to include Unit 1, with one resident positive and five others with respiratory symptoms but testing negative.

Contact tracing has led to the confirmation of the Unit 1 positive case being a contact of a positive resident from Unit 2.

As of Friday evening a total of four residents are positive while six others remain negative, but still exhibit respiratory symptoms.

Swabs have been sent to public health to determine the cause of the respiratory symptoms.

Residents in both units are now eating within their rooms with activities throughout the home being on hold, as well a facility wide mask requirement has been implemented.

Visitors will be required to wear the personal protective equipment supplied.

Officials with District of Kenora Home for the Aged say Covid-19 is high within the community at this time and visitors are reminded if they are feeling unwell to refrain from visiting.