A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at a Burnaby long-term care facility as cases continue to soar across B.C.
In a statement today (Dec. 29), Fraser Health announced there have been two cases confirmed involving one resident and one staff member at AgeCare Harmony Court.
AgeCare Harmony is owned and operated by AgeCare, the health authority says.
"Fraser Health has worked with the sites to support the implementation of enhanced control measures," the statement reads.
"Fraser Health is also working with the sites to identify anyone who may have been exposed, and is taking steps to protect the health of all staff, residents and families."
Fraser Health add in the statement they have proactively implemented the following measures:
- Staff levels are being supported to maintain resident care
- Social visits are restricted to the affected areas of the facility. Essential visits can continue
- Staff and residents movement in the affected areas of the facility has been monitored to minimize exposure to others
- Cleaning and infection control measures have been further enhanced
- Residents, families and staff are being notified
- Twice a day screening of all staff and residents is taking place
- Additional testing and screening is in place to support monitoring of disease control
"During this time, Fraser Health has additional presence at the sites to take any further actions required and support the facility. This includes 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."
The facility also went through a fatal outbreak that began on Nov. 19, 2020, and saw 116 cases involving 73 residents and 43 staff members.
Of the 73 residents that were infected, 30 passed away.
- with files from Chris Campbell, Burnaby NOW
