ARNPRIOR – Despite the fact there never was a case of COVID-19 in the Grove Nursing Home, the outbreak the institution has been officially under is now declared over.

The Grove declared a COVID-19 outbreak on Oct. 22, following a ‘detected’ test result of a staff member. The staff member was put in self-isolation and, as is protocol, declared a COVID-19 outbreak.

Following that date the staff member took two subsequent tests that were returned as negative results and 20 residents were also tested – all came back negative. Today, the outbreak is officially over.

“Today (Nov. 6), Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) declared the Grove Nursing Home’s COVID-19 outbreak over,” Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) communications manager Melissa McDermott released in a statement this afternoon.

Despite the outbreak ending, the Grove will continue to enforce strict COVID-19 protocols.

“However, with the current level of community spread many of the restrictions will remain in place,” she said. “ (Interim chief medical officer of health) Dr. Rob Cushman at RCDHU has directed all long-term care homes in Renfrew County to continue ensuring each residents’ two designated caregivers come to the home one at a time to limit potential exposure.”

In addition, indoor and outdoor visits continue to be on hold.

“The residents’ recreation programs will now resume, and video chats and window visits continue to be facilitated,” McDermott said.