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But as the new year approaches, there are also encouraging figures: Of the 130 cases among residents, 47 have been resolved, while 60 remain active.
On the staff side, 24 cases have been resolved, with 56 remaining active.
Most workers at The Village at St. Clair are represented by Unifor Local 2458.
Tullio DiPonti, president of Local 2458, has been publicly critical of Schlegel Villages regarding staffing levels and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for his members.
But on Tuesday, DiPonti said he appreciates the company putting its attention and additional resources on the crisis, including aid from outside the region.
“We welcome anyone’s help,” DiPonti said. “It gave some breathing room. But (our members) are scared, because the virus is very much alive in there. They’re afraid for their safety, they’re afraid for those residents.”
DiPonti said he’s especially grateful for the on-site presence of HDGH leaders. “Obviously, Janice Kaffer is a very reliable person. I believe she’s doing a great job. We needed that.”
DiPonti added that he is not trying to blame the management of The Village at St. Clair — but he believes there was “panicking” and “scrambling” at the facility when the outbreak began earlier this month.
“With Janice Kaffer being there, I believe there is going to be some stability and making sure things get done properly.”
Marra noted that HDGH has also been helping in regards to communicating with the loved ones of residents.
“We reached out to the families (Monday) and had a virtual town hall meeting,” Marra said. “Ninety-one family members showed up through Zoom.”
HDGH fielded dozens of questions from the attendees.
Marra said he hopes the event gave family members some comfort that “we’re doing everything we can to support Schlegel Villages, to protect their loved ones — whether they are infected or not.”
dchen@postmedia.com
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