RNAO launched on Friday a fourth survey for RNs, NPs and nursing graduates urging them to register for work in nursing homes that are on an active outbreak. This will fasten even more the matching of nursing staff to homes in dire need. Yesterday we responded, within hours, to the staffing needs of 18 additional organizations.

A letter from Diana Sebera to Premier Doug Ford: As a retired RN of 28 years, I’d like to provide some perspective on the Long-Term Care crisis. Although I speak of nurses and nursing, my comments also apply to personal support workers, who provide most of the daily care. Ontario has a big task ahead of itself.  A drastic change is required - one that will make nurses stay in their jobs. It starts with a good work environment.

Wendy Dunn is one of the 60 nurse practitioners (NP) working in Ontario’s nursing homes as an Attending NP. Wendy shared with us her experiences at RNAO’s weekly webinar with NPs on the management of an outbreak at Greenwood Court. She has kindly put together some of the lessons learned through this challenging experience.

The references in the media to efforts to bring medical specialists prompted a RN who works with seniors to write, brilliantly detailing the specialized knowledge required to work in long-term care. She prefers to remain anonymous. Please know that I am deeply appreciative for your willingness to share your exquisite knowledge and commitment.

Since we received the EOC report, we have seen media updates about six new cases in BC. Currently Canada has 60 cases in total: 28 in Ontario, 3 in Quebec, 2 in Alberta and 27 in BC. Of great concern are two of the six new cases in BC, today, at a nursing home – Lynn Valley Care Centre.

Since we received the EOC report, media updates indicate two new cases in Alberta and one new case in Quebec – bringing the total in Canada to 66 (29 in Ontario, 4 in Quebec, 4 in Alberta and 27 in BC). We also have news that the Canadian Government will repatriate Canadians passengers aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship in the eastern seaboard of USA.

Sadly, COVID-19 claims a first death in BC. This was a man in his 80s who lived at a North Vancouver nursing home and had existing health problems prior to contracting the coronavirus.

RNAO’s daily communications for this second month of the COVID-19 outbreak in Canada: You are receiving summary updates on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – inclusive of Ontario’s Ministry of Health’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Situational Report, and World Health Organization (WHO) Situational Report.

The Public Health Agency of Canada today announced a positive case in a Canadian who was repatriated to Canada from the Grand Princess cruise ship. The case was identified during the initial screening and medical assessments conducted when the passengers arrived at the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton, Ontario, where they will complete a 14-day quarantine

RNAO’s daily communications for this second month of the COVID-19 outbreak in Canada – now a pandemic. To see previous updates visit RNAO updates and resources on COVID-19 for members and other health professionals. Feel free to share any and all updates with other health professionals at home or abroad.