Bonnechere Manor COVID-19 Outbreak Status Withdrawn

Renfrew: Further to the County of Renfrew’s notification on May 9th, 2020 of a case COVID-19 involving a County of Renfrew employee who works at Bonnechere Manor, LifeLabs informed the Home on May 14th, 2020 that this result was an error – their investigation confirmed that the swab result was negative but was incorrectly reported as positive. As a result, the COVID-19 outbreak status at Bonnechere Manor has been withdrawn. Bonnechere Manor has requested a written report from LifeLabs on this incident and their corrective actions.

Warden of the County of Renfrew Debbie Robinson said, “While an unfortunate incident, it demonstrates once again that our long-term care homes are prepared and took all necessary precautions”.

Up until May 4th, testing had been restricted to people with COVID symptoms. However, with increased swab and lab capacity, both Bonnechere Manor and Miramichi Lodge, with the assistance of County of Renfrew paramedics, completed surveillance testing of all residents and staff a week ahead of the provincial directive. It is noted that with all local long-term care homes completing this testing; and the County Homes being the two largest in Renfrew County at over 800 residents and staff – there still remains some surveillance test results pending.

Rigorous infection prevention practices and procedures remain in place. The Home continues to work in close partnership with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit to protect residents and staff. “Our residents and employees’ health and safety are our top priority and we will continue to follow the advice of our colleagues at Public Health to ensure everyone is protected while providing care and delivering essential services to our residents”, said Director of Long-Term Care, Shelley Sheedy.

The County of Renfrew thanks the community for its understanding during this difficult time and assures the public it is continuing to make decisions in the best interest of residents and staff to ensure their health and safety is first and foremost.

For Media Inquiries please call:

Paul Moreau Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288

Michael Barber Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288