Island Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at a long-term care home in Victoria.
According to the health authority, one staff member at Hart House long-term care home tested positive for the virus.
Contact tracing is underway to identify anyone potentially exposed, and the staff member is isolating at home.
“At this time, no residents are experiencing symptoms. Communication with staff, residents and their families is ongoing,” Island Health said in a statement.
“Enhanced control measures have been put in place at the home and Island Health is working with leadership and staff to protect the health and safety of all residents and staff,” Island Health said in a release.
Admissions, transfers and social visits have been have been temporarily put on hold during the outbreak.
Hart House is owned and operated by Trillium Communities and is home to 17 residents, all of whom have been tested.
The following measures have been proactively implemented at the home:
- Residents are isolated to their suites;
- Congregate dining has been stopped and residents will be served meals in their rooms;
- Staff will be tested for COVID-19, as per the strategy defined by the Medical Health Officer;
- Twice a day screening of all residents, and twice per shift screening of staff for symptoms;
- Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place;
- Enhanced use of personal protective equipment
As of this publication, there are currently 164 active cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health region.
