Island Health has declared COVID-19 outbreaks at two long-term care homes, with one in Nanaimo and another in Port Alberni.
According to the health authority, the following long-term care homes have been affected:
The Berwick on the Lake long-term care home in Nanaimo has had two residents test positive.
The outbreak declaration is only for the long-term care unit at Berwick.
The Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens long-term care home in Port Alberni has had one resident test positive.
The cases have been confirmed via PCR testing or follow-up from Island Health’s case and contact management team.
The following outbreak response protocols have been implemented at sites:
- Social visits will be paused on outbreak units. Essential visits will continue;
- No congregate dining or group activities;
- Staff movement will be limited wherever possible;
- Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures will continue;
- Additional housekeeping support is being brought in;
- Patients, families and staff are being notified;
- Enhanced screening of all staff and patients for symptoms.
In addition to the new outbreaks, Island Health said the outbreaks at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Mount St. Mary Hospital and Comox Valley Seniors Village have been declared over.
At the time of publication, there are currently twenty six COVID-19 health care outbreaks on Vancouver Island.
