Two more residents of Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge in Jasper have died due to COVID-19.
"This difficult news weighs very heavily on our hearts as we continue to battle this virus," said Kristen Chambers, CAO of Evergreens in a letter to residents, staff and family members.
"My thoughts go out to the families of these residents and also to all of the Alberta Health Services and Evergreens Foundation staff as they deal with the loss."
A COVID-19 outbreak was declared at the Jasper seniors鈥� home on Nov. 29 when a first case of the virus was reported there. By Dec. 4 there were five active cases, and a further three were identified Dec. 7.聽
On Dec. 14, a resident died from the virus.
As of Dec. 15, there were a total of 18 reported cases related to Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge, 17 of which are active.
Two further residents have died from the virus since, but there have been no further diagnoses since Dec. 15. There are now 14 active cases and one person has recovered.
Due to privacy laws, Evergreens is not differentiating between staff and resident cases, and communicates only the total number of cases associated with the site.
"It is imperative that we reach out to our loved ones or neighbours living
within the lodge, as they will all deeply feel the loss of their friends," Chambers said.
"Alpine Summit is a close community and adding the passing of loved ones, to an already fearful time will be very difficult. Each resident is a cherished member of our larger Evergreens Foundation family and will leave a large void in our hearts."
Enhanced outbreak measures and strict isolation guidelines are in place at the facility, and secondary testing is ongoing.
Chambers said asymptomatic testing was completed this past week on staff and lodge residents, and anyone who develops even mild symptoms whether staff or resident, will receive additional testing.
Latest numbers in Jasper
Two new cases of COVID-19 and one recovery were reported in Jasper Dec. 20, bringing the total number of active cases to 42.
The outbreak at Seton 鈥� Jasper Healthcare Centre remains active. It was declared on Nov. 27 when four cases were identified. As of Dec. 15, seven individuals associated with the facility had tested positive.
The recent deaths at Alpine Summit are not yet included in Alberta Health's online data.
If you test positive for COVID-19 and need help with symptoms or contact tracing, call the Cottage Medical Clinic at 780-852-4885 for a virtual appointment.
Updated numbers will be available at at about 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21.
