Health authority announces wave of confirmed and suspected COVID-19 outbreaks in Regina care homes

• The day after this story was published, public health officials confirmed there was a testing error and reversed some of the outbreak declarations cited below. For the latest, click on this story: Sask. health authority apologizes for 'worry' sowed by COVID-19 lab error, reverses outbreak declarations

Saskatchewan health officials have announced a wave of newly confirmed and suspected COVID-19 care home outbreaks in Regina.

On Monday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority said several cases of COVID-19 were found at seven nursing homes in Regina.

Outbreaks were declared at Parkside Extendicare, Regina Lutheran Home, Pioneer Village and some units at  Wascana Rehab Centre, while an outbreak is only still suspected at Extendicare's Sunset and Elmview homes as well as Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home.  

In order for an outbreak to be declared, two positive COVID-19 cases need to be found.

Health officials hosting a news conference Monday afternoon said did they not have statistics on hand, including the total number of positive cases and hospitalizations between the seven homes. But they promised to provide more soon. 

Infections are being seen in vaccinated and unvaccinated residents and staff. Most of those infected at the seven nursing homes have not been displaying symptoms and have not required hospitalization, according to the SHA.

"There is no one clear incident that has been identified, a catalyst, for the new cases," said Dr. Rashaad Hansia, the SHA's physician executive for integrated urban health.  

CBC News previously reported the new outbreak at Parkside, where one fully vaccinated resident and an unspecified number of staff have tested positive for COVID-19.

Testing at the homes is ongoing for both staff and residents, although Hansia said there is nothing requiring workers to be either tested for COVID-19 or vaccinated against it. 

"But it is something we strongly encourage," he said. 

Vaccination rates for residents at most of the seven homes are above 90 per cent, he added. 

HEPA fan filters have been brought in to improve air circulation in the homes "out of an abundance of caution," Hansia said. All workers are required to wear N-95 respirators at all times. 

Some residents may be moved to other facilities.