Hamilton Public Health confirms COVID-19 case at a long-term care facility

HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Public Health Services is confirming one case of COVID-19 at the Heritage Green Nursing Home in Stoney Creek.  The case involves an 80-year-old female resident who was brought to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton on Monday, March 16, 2020 for scheduled treatment. During her visit she began displaying symptoms, and was moved to isolation where she remains. Seven hospital staff are now self-isolating, and no patients have been put at risk. Public Health officials are working collaboratively with both facilities to investigate further and take the necessary actions to protect other residents, employees and health care providers. 

Upon learning of this case, Heritage Green isolated the entire floor of the nursing home, began cohorting staff (dedicated staff to dedicated areas), isolating residents and providing in-room meals.  The facility had already increased environmental cleaning two weeks ago and closed to visitors last weekend. 

More details will be provided as they become available. Hamilton has a total of 19 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of noon today. 

"This case involves the most vulnerable population we’re striving to protect. This demonstrates why it’s so critical that we continue to take proactive measures to protect those around us by implementing no-visitor policies at long-term care facilities and continuing to practice social distancing, even with our families when necessary." - Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health

"We have carefully reviewed and identified the patient’s interactions and we are  confident we have contained all potential exposure." - Dr. David Russell, Chief of Staff, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

"The safety of our residents and employees is paramount.  We have been responding to this situation in the most aggressive way and are implementing the appropriate measures in close consultation with Public Health." - Scott Kozachenko, Administrator, Heritage Green Nursing Home

Additional Resources

• For regular City of Hamilton COVID-19 updates, please visit www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus and www.hamilton.ca/covidclosures
• Visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or [email protected]