Niagara Health takes over long-term care home after 8 deaths, 188 COVID-19 cases

Niagara Health has taken over management of Oakwood Park Lodge, a long-term care home where 97 residents and 91 staffhave tested positive andeight people have died from COVID-19.

Niagara's Acting Medical Officer of Health issued the order for "temporary management support" Wednesday morning, in accordance with theHealth Protection and Promotion Act.

Niagara Health says this is a voluntary contract with the home. Itis now waiting for next steps from Ontario's Ministry of Long-Term Care.

The outbreak at Oakwood Park Lodge was declared on December 12, said a statement from Niagara Health.

Oakwood Park Lodge has 153 beds, meaning more than 63 per cent of residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

"Our hospital team is taking immediate action to contain the virus and protect residents and staff," saidNiagara Health President Lynn Guerriero in a statement.

The home's administrator, Stephen Moran, said they were "grateful for [Niagara Health's] support and additional resources."

Niagara Health says its team will do health assessment for residents, "stabilization of leadership and staffing," staff education, more cleaning and other measures to deal with the outbreak.

Oakwood Park Lodge is owned byConmed Health Care Group.