Gastro outbreak at Bay rest home

Te Puke Country Lodge is restricting visitors to the complex as a precaution after a gastroenteritis outbreak at the facility.

The hospital and retirement village in No.1 Road in Te Puke remains open but access is restricted and staff are taking precautions as advised by public health staff and doctors.

“All families have been advised that we believe visitors should be restricted and most have decided not to visit for their own sakes and for the sake of the residents,” says Cantabria Group spokesperson Brian Moody.

“Staff are coming to work as usual and observing all rules around protecting themselves, their families and the residents against this contagious illness.”

The spokesperson says guests understand access is being restricted “for their own protection and for the protection of the community”.

“Because of the very contagious nature of the outbreak and the acute illness of the residents affected, the families are advised not to visit residents that have been affected by the outbreak and are under strict isolation.

“If they still wish to visit they are doing so under strict supervision and help from the staff to prevent further spread of the outbreak.”

Brian says staff at the rest home are prevent the spread by placing hand sanistiser at the door, and wearing masks, gowns and gloves when attending to the residents that have been affected.

“All senior staff and doctors are working very hard to contain this outbreak – which appears to have originated from a visitor from the community.”

Brian says the facility is now at the end of the outbreak with no new cases reported in the last 48 hours.