KITCHENER -- Cambridge Memorial Hospital has taken over management of Cambridge Country Manor, a long-term care home currently dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak.

The Ministry of Long-Term Care approved the Voluntary Management Contract on Friday. The home is licensed under Caressant-Care Nursing and Retirement Homes Limited.

The province said the agreement will help manage the spread of COVID-19 in the home and "stabilize the situation."

The outbreak was declared on Dec. 8. As of Friday, 47 residents and 44 staff members have tested positive for the disease, a jump of more than 20 cases from the day before.

"Protecting our long-term care residents is our top priority and we are doing everything we can to keep them safe," said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, in a news release.

The province said it is continuing to invest in care in long-term care homes during the pandemic through funding, staff support, expanded testing and guidance on outbreak management.

Waterloo Region is currently dealing with seven active outbreaks at long-term care and retirement homes.