--- Canadian Red Cross helping at Chartwell Monastère d’Aylmer since COVID-19 outbreak began in early February

Jordan Gowling

The Canadian Red Cross has confirmed that it sent a 20-person team to the Chartwell Monastère d’Aylmer on February 16, following the declaration of a COVID-19 outbreak in its care unit, on February 4. 

Chartwell Monastère d’Aylmer says that, as of February 25, they have had 19 reported cases of COVID-19 among residents and six cases among their staff. “We are relieved that of these [residents], 16 have now fully recovered,” said Marie-France Lemay, Vice-President of Operations and Sales at Chartwell Retirement Residences. “Among our staff members, four have recovered.” Lemay confirmed that one resident from the Monastère home had died following the outbreak. Lemay said she was relieved that their residents are an immediate priority for vaccinations. Chartwell confirmed that they began inoculating residents at the home back in January. 

When the Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l'Outaouais (CISSSO) declared the outbreak, the residence activated enhanced infection control measures, according to their website. Lemay said that Chartwell staff, CISSSO and Red Cross members continue to provide massive screening tests for residents and staff. 

The Canadian Red Cross continues to help long-term care homes in Quebec, New Brunswick and Manitoba. The organization received $70 million in federal funding last December to support Red Cross personnel and testing teams.