Pembroke – Two more resdients at Miramichi Lodge have tested positive for COVID-19 while two of the three residents who initatilly tested positive have been cleared.

The County of Renfrew, which operates the Lodge provided an update on the status of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is the only declared outbreak in the county at this time.

The two residents who just tested positive were diagnosed as part of the regular surveillance testing of residents in home area 3A. They have been transferred to the home’s COVID Care Unit.  These residents had previously tested negative in earlier surveillance testing. Consequently, residents in area 3A remain sequestered to their rooms.

As of this Monday, there are three positive residents, with two exhibiting symptoms. Residents of area 2B are now being retested.  If there are no further positive results, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit anticipates giving Miramichi Lodge the direction to discontinue the isolation of residents to their rooms soon.

Ninety-six per cent of the residents living at the Lodge received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine on February 8th and received their second dose on Monday, March 8. A single dose of vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce serious illness.

There are no positive cases amongst Miramichi Lodge staff who received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Feb. 25^th.

Dr. Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health for RCDHU, has directed only staff be allowed entry to the Lodge at this time.

“Miramichi Lodge and the RCDHU remain on high alert,” he said. “I want to congratulate the staff for taking all the necessary precautions to contain the outbreak”.

Contact persons for each resident are reminded that staff will telephone them directly if there are any concerns about their loved one. In addition, Miramichi Lodge has also increased electronic communication and hosted two updates/question and answer sessions with all families.