Island Health has reported an additional case of COVID-19 related to an outbreak at Eden Gardens long-term care home in Nanaimo.
According to Island Health, one resident – also referred to as an elder – has tested positive for the coronavirus. The resident is an individual who was identified as a contact to the original COVID-19 case, which was detected in a staff member.
After the staff tested positive over the weekend, they went into isolation and Island Health has been carrying out contact tracing protocols with the rest of the residence.
Following this second reported case, Island Health says that the outbreak has been expanded to the entire facility.
“All elders will be on droplet and contact precautions. All 127 elders and 246 staff will be tested,” reads a statement from the health authority.
Initially, the outbreak had been limited to one floor of the facility.
According to Island Health, the following steps are being taken in response to the outbreak:
- All elders have been isolated to their rooms;
- Congregate dining has been stopped and residents will be served meals in their rooms;
- Staff movement through the facility is restricted;
- Only essential visits with extra precautions are allowed;
- All admissions and transfers have been stopped;
- Enhanced cleaning protocols and use of personal protective equipment;
- Island Health continues to have a presence at the home to support the outbreak response;
- Staffing levels and supply of personal protective equipment are being closely monitored and Island Health is supporting where needed, to ensure safe resident care continues
The outbreak at Eden Gardens was one of two long-term care facilities in Nanaimo that reported cases of COVID-19 this weekend. One staff member tested positive at Wexford Creek, operated by Park Place Seniors.
For more information about COVID-19, see www.islandhealth.ca/covid19
Graham Cox
