EASTERN ONTARIO — Eastern Ontario’s Medical Officer of Health confirmed yesterday that — contrary to media reports — the Red Cross has no boots on the ground at the Prescott and Russell Residence nor has any such support even been organized yet through the federally funded initiative.
Operated by the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, the long-term care facility is in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak that by yesterday had infected 17 residents and eight staff.
Dr. Paul Roumeliotis also confirmed that seven individuals have tested positive at The Palace Retirement Home in Alexandria, during the first of the doctor’s scheduled bi-weekly media updates yesterday (Oct. 14).
Roumeliotis mentioned as well that Ontario’s mandatory quarantine period for those who test positive has recently dropped to 10 days from the standard 14. He clarified for NVN that the longer period of time still applies pre-emptively to individuals whose status is not known — such as those who have returned from international travel or who have been in contact with a confirmed case.
The 10-day quarantine period for those infected recently garnered a lot of attention as the length of time imposed on U.S. President Donald Trump following his positive test for the virus.
Below, Dr. Roumeliotis discusses the “offer” of help from the Red Cross, noting that “nothing’s been organized in our area” nor has any particular home in the EOHU’s jurisdiction been “targeted” for such support.
