Elmwood Kinsmen Manor dealing with confirmed COVID outbreak, calls for access to vaccines

A Saskatoon group home for those with intellectual disabilities is dealing with a confirmed COVID-19 outbreak.

According to a statement sent by Elmwood Residences executive director Rachael Steinke, a confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 is occurring at Elmwood Kinsmen Manor.

Steinke said a “significant number” of residents and team members are directly impacted, yet all are experiencing mild symptoms.

Four team members tested positive for COVID-19 between Jan. 10 and 12. Additionally, all residents and team members were tested for the novel coronavirus on Friday.

“Elmwood is taking this situation very seriously and has enacted our emergency response plan. Communication with Public Health is ongoing. Elmwood will continue to follow all recommendations and guidelines provided by the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Public Health,” Steinke’s Monday statement reads.

Additionally, in order to maintain full staffing levels, the Ministry of Social Services is providing additional resources to the facility.

Elmwood employs more than 200 essential frontline workers, and Steinke described its situation as a “somber reminder” of the importance of vaccination within the disability sector.

“Access to vaccines for residents and frontline staff of Group Homes must be considered as high a priority as for residents and frontline staff in long-term care facilities,” the statement reads.

Elmwood Residences has been operating since 1969 in Saskatoon. According to its website, it supports 120 individuals as of 2020, including 32 residents at Kinsmen Manor.