COVID-19 outbreak declared at Victoria home for the aged; 63 new cases at Island Health

Island Health declared an outbreak of COVID-19 among three staff at the Sunset Lodge senior home in Victoria on Friday as the province recorded its highest number of cases in four months.

The outbreak brings the total number of outbreaks in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and independent residences in the province to 15.

“At this time, no residents are showing symptoms and the risk remains low,” Island Health said. The three staff members who tested positive are in home isolation.

The region reported 63 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the number of active cases to 555.

Island Health, citing privacy concerns, would not say whether all three staff members have been vaccinated, as it is “an individual’s personal and private health information.”

Sunset Lodge, at 952 Arm St., is owned and operated by the Salvation Army.

Communication with residents, families and staff is ongoing, the health authority said. He has recruited additional staff and is working with the lodge to identify anyone else who may have been exposed.

The health authority said twice-daily screening of all staff and residents at Sunset Lodge was underway. COVID-19 tests will be performed for staff and symptomatic residents. The health authority did not say whether rapid staff tests were carried out before the outbreak.

All staff on duty must wear masks.

Admissions, transfers and social visits will be suspended while the outbreak is in effect and movement of residents and staff will be restricted, Island Health said. Essential visitors can continue to see residents.

The province reported 867 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday as cases continue to rise.

Three other people died for a total of 1,807. All of the deaths were in Interior Health, which recorded the highest number of new cases, 350.

There are 5,657 active cases including 159 in hospital, including 84 in intensive care.

The province said people who were not fully vaccinated accounted for 82% of infections and nearly 86% of hospitalizations from Aug.12 to 25.

Almost 76 percent of eligible BC residents aged 12 and over are fully immunized with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 84 percent have received at least one injection.

[email protected]

© Colonist of the time of copyright