COVID-19 outbreaks that were reported earlier at two Airdrie senior's facilities have now been declared over but a third Airdrie facility is firmly in the grip of another one.  

The outbreak has claimed the lives of two residents at the Bethany Airdrie long term care facility, since last Thursday.  On yesterday's (January 5) Daily Bulletin from the facility, it was reported that the current status of active cases of the virus included 23 residents, two that were diagnosed in the past 24 hours, and 19 staff members.

In a statement provided to Discover Airdrie by David Ghoris of Bethany Seniors Communication Department, Bethany Airdrie went into outbreak on December 28th with positive cases reported in both residents and employees.  The statement says the facility is saddened by the loss of the two residents.  "Our condolences go out to their families and loved ones as they grieve, and we are doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time." 

As the facility is in an outbreak it will not be allowing designated family/support persons visitation until the COVID Outbreak Status is lifted.  The exceptions being end of life and extenuating circumstances.

The two other outbreaks that were declared earlier are now over at the Hamlets at Cedarwood Station and Luxstone Manor.

Loy Pacheco, General Manager of the Hamlets at Cedarwood Station says, when the outbreak hit, they were as prepared as they could be with Pandemic Plans prepared for each of their sites in advance.  "We were a little bit prepared but I don't think anyone can be truly prepared for it (an outbreak)." 

She says all staff pulled together to do what they had to do to get through the outbreak and they did their best to keep morale high.  "Some people were frightened but it was just a constant, 'we've got this, we've got it, we're doing a great job, you're making the residents safe.'  Just lots of positive reinforcements.  We were all pulling together for the residents."

Before the outbreak was declared over on January 2nd, 17 positive cases were reported and sadly four residents lost their battle with COVID-19.

Even though the outbreak has now been lifted the Hamlets at Cedarwood Station will remain on lockdown with no visitors allowed.

The outbreak that was first reported in November has also been declared over at Luxstone Manor where 23 residents and five staff members were infected by the virus.  One resident also passed away.  

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