Island Health declares three more COVID outbreaks in long-term care facilities

Island Health has declared three more outbreaks of COVID-19 at long-term care facilities in Victoria, Port Alberni and Parksville.

Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Victoria, Echo Village in Port Alberni and Arrowsmith Lodge in Parksville are the three new facilities added to Island Health’s growing list of outbreaks.

There are now 25 long-term care facilities currently experiencing outbreaks within the health authority as well as one acute care facility.

The health authority says it has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long-term care, acute care, assisted living and licensed care facilities and will support each site amid the latest surge of viruses.

As part of Island Health’s response to each outbreak, no admissions or transfers are made to facilities in the event of an outbreak. All group activities and communal meals will be suspended for the duration of the outbreak and there will be enhanced screening of all staff and residents on site.

Today’s announcement marks the second day in a row that Island Health has reported at least two new outbreaks in long-term care facilities.

Here are the details of the latest outbreaks:

Mount St. Mary’s Hospital long-term care home in Victoria

Two resident cases have been identified and outbreak reporting is limited to Cedar House.

Mount St. Mary’s Hospital is owned and operated by the Marie Esther Society.

Echo Village Long-Term Care Home in Port Alberni

Seven resident cases linked to this outbreak have been identified.

Echo Village is owned and operated by the Alberni-Clayoquot Continuing Care Society.

Arrowsmith Lodge Long-Term Care Home in Parksville

Two resident cases linked to this outbreak have been identified, restricted to Cottonwood and Dogwood units.

Arrowsmith Lodge is owned and operated by Arrowsmith Health Care Society.

Island Health says these reported case numbers are those confirmed by PCR testing or follow-up by the case management team and authority contacts.