Fraser Health has declared an outbreak at a Burnaby long-term care facility.
A notice issued today (Sept. 28) says, to date, one resident at the Willingdon Care Centre has tested positive for the virus which has prompted enhanced control measures to be put in place.
The resident involved is currently self-isolating at their home, the regional health authority explains in its alert.
"Enhanced control measures have been put in place at the site. Fraser Health is working to identify anyone who may have been exposed and is taking steps to protect the health of all staff, residents and families."
The following measures have been implemented at the facility:
- Staffing levels are being supported to maintain resident care
- Social visits are restricted in the affected areas of the facility
- Essential visits can continue
- Staff and residents movement in the affected areas of the facility has been modified 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 site to take any further actions required and support the facility," the alert continues.
"This includes dedicated people to address quality, answer questions from staff, residents and family, and provide active checks of symptoms with staff and residents."
Under the protocol, an outbreak is declared by a Medical Health Officer when there is evidence found of COVID-19 spread from one person who has tested positive for the virus to another person in a long-term or assisted living site.
"Fraser Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long-term care and assisted living facilities," the authority added.
"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."
