COVID-19 Update: Outbreak Status Declared at Entrust

We have been notified by Alberta Health Services (AHS) on November 13, 2020 that an outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at Entrust. A COVID-19 outbreak is declared when 5 or more cases are linked to a specific site or event. 

What do we know about the outbreak? 

The cases are spread over a few homes at Entrust. In most cases, the cause of transmission was linked to community spread. There are three clients who have tested positive. At this point, two clients are asymptomatic and are self-isolating; one client is symptomatic and has been hospitalized as a precaution given their age and pre-existing risk factors. 

Most of our positive COVID-19 results were caught by asymptomatic testing - meaning staff or clients were not exhibiting any symptoms or signs of infection. Catching these asymptomatic cases allowed us to ensure these individuals are isolating to limit potential further spread. We are confident that this asymptomatic testing will contain the outbreak quickly. 

What are we doing to combat the outbreak?

We are working closely with AHS and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to contain the outbreak and ensure all measures are in place to protect all clients and staff.

All affected staff members and close contacts of those staff members have been contacted, have been tested for COVID-19 regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms, and are self-isolating while awaiting test results. We have conducted asymptomatic testing in excess of what was recommended by AHS and CDC. 

We understand that this news may be upsetting, however, rest assured that we are doing everything within our control to ensure that safety of our clients and our staff. Our teams have been prepared for the possibility of an outbreak of COVID-19 at Entrust and have been vigilant as we have watched the cases in Alberta rise steadily in recent weeks. 

We have no concerns with staffing or supplies of PPE and will continue to provide a high level of support to our clients.   

Everyone's safety has always been at the forefront of our decision-making, and we are confident that we have taken the appropriate steps to contain the outbreak. 

Tilton Reed, CEO