January 16, 2026, Birch Home Area Outbreak Declared

In collaboration with Public Health, the Birch Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak with one (1) resident testing positive for COVID. Currently, three (3) residents are experiencing symptoms of cough, congestion, and/or runny nose. Family members have been notified. We are currently waiting for test results for two (2) of the residents.

If you have any questions about these precautions during your visit, please speak with the nursing staff.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No General Visitors to the Birch Home Area at this time
• Essential Caregivers two (2) at a time for visiting only
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal

Please reach out to Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead, if you have any questions. stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca or ext. 4752