COURTICE, Ont. — Durham Region police say they're investigating a retirement home in Courtice, Ont., following allegations that handles were removed from some residents' doors.
Police say they received a complaint on Friday regarding the White Cliffe Terrace Retirement Residence.
The force says it also received complaints of threats being made against the retirement residence and its staff over the weekend.
The retirement home's operator said on Friday that it's launched an investigation into a senior staff member at the facility.
A statement from Verve Senior Living said door handles were removed from "a small number'' of suites belonging to assisted living residents.
The statement did not specify why the handles were removed, but several media reports allege the residents involved had tested positive for COVID-19. The Canadian Press could not immediately independently verify the allegation.
David Bird, president of Verve parent company Diversicare Canada, says all handles have since been replaced and an investigation is underway to determine how long residents may have been confined to their rooms.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 15, 2021.
The Canadian Press
