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Burnaby COVID-19 infections drop despite new outbreak

City sees less than 250 cases from May 9 to 15, 2021
Jess Balzer
Jess Balzer
Screenshot 2021-05-20 150602
The latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence numbers for May 9-15, 2021.BC Centre for Disease Control

As B.C.'s COVID-19 cases continue on a downward trend, Burnaby is also heading in the same direction. 

According to the latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence data, Burnaby saw fewer than 250 cases from May 9 to 15, 2021, coming in at 241. Burnaby recorded 247 cases between May 2 and 8 – a drop from the 309 new infections from April 25 to May 1. From April 18 to 24, the city hit 397 cases.  

The data is released by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). 

A long-term care facility in Burnaby has also been issued a COVID-19 outbreak notice - the first local outbreak at a care home in months as vaccinations ramped up. 

In a statement today (May 20), Fraser Health says one resident and one staff member have tested positive for the virus at Chartwell Carlton Care Residence in Burnaby, which has prompted the outbreak declaration. 

The authority says the two people involved are currently in self-isolation at their respective homes. 

"Fraser Health has worked with the site to support the implementation of enhanced control measures," the statement reads. 

"Fraser Health is also working with the site to identify anyone who may have been exposed, and is taking steps to protect the health of all staff, residents and families." 

The following proactive measures have been implemented: 

  • Staffing levels are being supported to maintain resident care
  • Visitors are restricted throughout the facility
  • Staff and residents’ movement in the facility has been restricted
  • Cleaning and infection control measures have been enhanced
  • Residents, families and staff are being notified
  • Twice a day screening of all staff and residents is taking place

Fraser Health says they also have more presence at the site to help with any further actions and support of the facility including dedicated people to address quality, answer questions from staff, residents and family and provide active checks of symptoms with staff and residents. 

"Fraser Health has, in partnership with long-term care and assisted living facilities, implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in these facilities.

"In addition, Fraser Health has also deployed care staff and our rapid-response teams which include clinical nurse educators, infection prevention and control experts, screeners, and patient care quality officers supporting with communication to families and assessing symptoms at sites with outbreaks. Through these teams, sites are also connected with emergency supplies and support strategies around additional personnel if needed." 

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced today (May 20) B.C. recorded 357 new COVID-19 cases in the past day, with Fraser Health holding 210 of the new infections. 

Another 331 people are hospitalized across the province, 113 of which are in ICU or critical care. 

Henry said three more people lost their lives to the virus in the past 24 hours, bringing B.C.'s death toll to 1,661.