While there’s currently an outbreak at Chartwell Bon Air Long Term Care Residence in Cannington, company officials have noted that the situation is not related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A post making the rounds on social media features a photo of a list of “outbreak locations” throughout Durham, including Bon Air, but does not specify the causes.

According to Sharon Renalli, the vice president of marketing and communications for Chartwell, staff at Cannington home are currently combating an outbreak of enteric.

“I can confirm that we do not have any cases of COVID-19 at Chartell Bon Air at this time. However, the home currently does have an outbreak of enteric; that information is reported to both Durham public health and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care,” she wrote in an email to The Brock Voice.

According to Ontario Public Health, enteric diseases are caused by micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause intestinal illness.

“These diseases most frequently result from consuming contaminated food or water and some can spread from person to person. It is estimated that only a small proportion of enteric and food-borne illnesses are actually reported to public health. We provide public health workers with expertise, support and resources for the prevention and control of enteric diseases,” reads a post on the organization’s website.

Chartwell CEO Vlad Volodarski has regularly posted updates on the company’s response to COVID-19.

“While the pace of COVID-19’s progression in Canada has been rapid, I want to assure everyone that our residence staff, along with the outstanding support from our regional and corporate teams, are doing truly extraordinary work to serve, care for and support our residents during these trying times,” reads a post from Saturday (March 21).

“We are also participating in extensive collaboration with our industry peers, associations and government agencies to effect a coordinated response and to share best practices and knowledge. Our shared belief is that we need to do everything we can to be successful in fighting this pandemic and with every decision, put our residents first. What I’ve found most remarkable in such an unprecedented time as this is the supportive feedback we have received from our residents and families, who understand the efforts we are making to keep them, and our staff, safe.”