Ohsweken Public Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Iroquois Lodge after two residents tested positive for COVID-19 via a rapid test on Sept. 28.

The individuals were immediately placed in isolation and were administered PCR tests to be sent to the lab for further confirmation of a positive result. 

However, since then, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases at Iroquois Lodge has risen: there are 16 cases among residents and seven cases among staff. 

In accordance with protocol, Ohsweken Public Health declared a COVID-19 outbreak and directed staff to isolate any positive cases and those who were in close contact with those individuals. 

As a result, only two designated caregivers are now allowed to visit per resident at this time and no general visitors will be allowed during the outbreak. Additionally, one Personal Support Worker (PSW) team will be assigned to isolation rooms and will be separated from other staff and facilities to limit any further potential spread of the virus. 

Residents’ family members have been notified and are receiving regular updates on the situation by lodge staff.

CKRZ did reach out to Ohsweken Public Health for an update to this story and was told that one additional resident has now also tested positive increasing the total number of residents to 17. CKRZ will continue to follow this story and bring updates as they become available.

Listen to the audio story as voiced by David Moses for CKRZ FM below: