Photo: Shaun Penner / EverythingGP

By Shaun Penner

Outbreak Update

COVID-19 outbreak linked to Care Human Services in Grande Prairie

Feb 24, 2021 | 11:37 AM

Alberta Health says a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Care Human Services in Grande Prairie.

As of Monday, there have been 32 reported cases, 29 of which are considered active. The other three are considered recovered.

In a statement on its Facebook page, Care says 24 staff members have tested positive, as have eight individuals they support.

Care is a not-for-profit organization that offers several supports and services for children and adults who live with disabilities, as well as seniors requiring supportive living services.

“We thank everyone for their understanding and continued support as we do all we can to keep everyone safe and healthy including the families and friends of those accessing services,” said Care officials, in their post. “We want to especially say thank you to all our staff who remain dedicated and vigilant in ensuring all health and safety measures are in place and followed.

“They continue to provide continuity of care despite it meaning much personal sacrifice for both them and their families.”

Elsewhere in Grande Prairie, the outbreak at Heritage Lodge seniors home has grown to 17 cases. Of those, 13 are active and four are considered recovered.

All six cases linked to the outbreak at Signature Support Services have recovered. The outbreak will officially be declared over when 28 have passed with no new cases linked to the site.

The outbreak at Prairie Lake Supportive Living has been removed from Alberta Health’s COVID-19 outbreak list. Tom McMillan, a spokesperson for Alberta Health, says only one of the 92 cases recorded in the home is considered active, while there have been 84 recoveries and seven deaths.

The outbreak at Rotary House is up to 19 cases, 16 of which are considered active while three people have recovered.

The Walmart outbreak has just one active case remaining of the 10 linked to the store. The other nine people have recovered.

The outbreak at a private group home in the city remains with six cases linked to it, with three active and three considered recovered.