Island Health has declared COVID-19 outbreaks at five long-term care homes on Wednesday.
Three are in Victoria and two are in Nanaimo.
This announcement comes just a day after Dr. Bonnie spoke about loosening the restrictions on visitors in long term care homes that began just days ago on January 1st.
According to the release, the following long-term care homes have been affected:
Aberdeen Hospital long-term care home in Victoria has had two staff members and three residents tested positive. The outbreak declaration is only for the Lansdowne Unit.
Glenwarren Lodge long-term care home in Victoria has had seven staff members and five residents test positive. The outbreak declaration is only for the first level of the facility at this time.
Selkirk Seniors Village long-term care home in Victoria has had six staff members and one resident test positive. The outbreak declaration is only for the third floor at this time.
Kiwanis Village Lodge long-term care home in Nanaimo has had three staff members and one resident test positive. The outbreak declaration is only for the first floor at this time.
Eden Gardens long-term care home in Nanaimo has had three staff members and one resident test positive. The outbreak declaration is only for the Cypress Unit (second floor) at this time.
The following outbreak response protocols have been implemented at the sites:
- No admissions or transfers to affected units;
- Staff movement will be limited wherever possible;
- No congregate dining or group activities for residents of affected units;
- Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures will continue;
- Residents, families and staff are being notified;
- Enhanced screening of all staff and residents for symptoms;
- COVID-19 testing as determined by the Medical Health Officer and Infection Prevention and Control.
There are currently seven COVID-19 outbreaks in total on Vancouver Island. An outbreak was declared at Amica Douglas House long-term care home in Victoria and at the Victoria General Hospital’s general medicine unit last week.
