An outbreak at a Casselman  Long Term Care Home has led to the death of two residents, with a further 8 in hospital. 

Last week, Dr. Paul Roumelitoits of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit announced there was an outbreak at St. François Long Term Care Home, with about 35 active cases. That number has since increased to 54 and two residents have died. 

“This is an example of why we are now re-vaccinating retirement homes, long term care homes and congregate senior settings,” said Dr. Roumelitotis on Wednesday. 

The vaccine is least effective in people over the age of 75, with its effects waning quicker and “we are seeing that weaning,” said the EOHU’s top doctor.  Of the active cases in St. François, six residents were unvaccinated and most are “mildly or not symptomatic”. The oiutbreak is thought to have come from a staff member who tested positive.

Despite outbreak, cases heading in the right direction There are currently 64 active cases in Prescott-Russell, with that figure being dragged up by the outbreak at St. François. Five of those cases are in Clarence-Rockland.  As of last Friday the EOHU hit the 90% landmark for first doses, with that number almost as high as 92% today. 

Dr. Roumeliotis explained that, although there was a sharp rise in positivity during the month of September cases have decreased by almost half in October. Increased vaccination rates are thought to be the cause as age groups such as the under-10 year olds are “benefiting from the vaccinations of the people around them,” said Dr. Roumeliotis. 

In Eastern Ontario there have been 4,000 second doses administered so far in October and 2,200 first doses, with approximately 7,000 more needed to reach 90%, which is “very achievable” in the next “week, week and a half”. The positivity rate with the EOHU is still higher than than the 2% provincial average however Dr. Roumeliotis reassured that the region is “trending in the right direction.” 

Guidelines from upcoming events such as Halloween, Remembrance Day and Christmas activities are being updated continuously on the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s website.