Editor's note: Thanks to Niagara Long Term Care Residence for being open and transparent about case numbers. Right now with cases of COVID-19 rising in NOTL, it's important for residents to have as much information about the virus as possible.

A resident of Niagara Long Term Care Residence has died of COVID-19-related issues.

The death is the first COVID-linked death related to a Niagara-on-the-Lake long-term care facility.

Another 21 residents and four staff members at Niagara Long Term Care Residence have active cases of COVID-19.

Chris Poos, executive director of Niagara LTC said the facility has been having daily calls with public health and ongoing weekly testing for staff and previously negative residents.

“We are also in regular contact with all residents, families, and staff regarding the status of COVID-19 in our home,” he said.

“We remain diligent in all our infection prevention and control measures including, twice daily screening of residents and staff for any signs of the COVID-19 virus and regular testing. Residents are isolated to their rooms, receiving in-room meal service and are being cared for by staff on contact droplet precautions. Staff are wearing full personal protective equipment at all times, which is well-stocked in the home.”

Poos said he's hopeful for a vaccine to come soon.

“As with all long term care and retirement homes, we are hopeful that good news will come soon and that the Pfizer-BioNTech and/or Moderna vaccines will become available to all residents and staff in the Niagara area.”

The outbreak was declared Jan. 2 and was the second outbreak at a NOTL long-term care home.

The other outbreak was declared Jan. 1 at Radiant Care Pleasant Manor in Virgil.

Pleasant Manor did not immediately respond with updated numbers. Last week CEO Tim Siemens said one staff member had tested positive.