RENFREW COUNTY (Pembroke) — Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is confirming that a resident at Riverview Heights Retirement Residence has tested positive for COVID-19. This result was found as part of RCDHU’s proactive strategy to identify asymptomatic cases in long-term care and retirement homes.
This would be the first positive test in over 2,700 asymptomatic surveillance tests conducted in the past two weeks, in long term care and retirement homes in Renfrew County and District. Consequently, the result could be an error. To be sure, the original test is being reassessed today by the Public Health Lab, and the resident is being retested.
RCDHU will have a further update within a day or two, but in the interim, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared, and the resident and their contacts have been isolated. RCDHU is working with Riverview Heights to ensure that all infection prevention and control measures are taken to contain any spread.
As always, RCDHU would like to reinforce the importance of continuing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The risk of illness can be reduced by practicing physical distancing and following proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
This includes maintaining a two metre distance; staying home if you are ill; cleaning your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub; covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then cleaning your hands; and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth, unless you have just cleaned your hands.
RCDHU thanks residents for their continued efforts in the fight against COVID-19. We are continuing to work in the best interest of the community to ensure optimal health for all in Renfrew County and District. For more information, visit RCDHU’s website.
