Island Health said Wednesday evening it has identified an additional case of COVID-19 related to the outbreak at Tsawaayuus (Rainbow Gardens) long-term care home in Port Alberni.
The outbreak was declared on Nov. 16 after a staff member tested positive. The outbreak limited to the long-term care building on the site at this time.
One of the residents of the long-term care home, deemed a close contact to the initial staff member, has now tested positive as of Nov. 18.
The resident is being transferred out of the facility likely Wednesday evening, Island Health said.
Island Health added that the measure is only precautionary and the resident is not experiencing symptoms at this time.
At this time, all other test results for residents and staff have come back negative, according to Island Health.
Since the outbreak was declared on November 16, the three residents considered close contacts to the initial staff case have been isolated in their rooms, the unit where their rooms are located has been isolated from the rest of the building, and staff movement has been restricted to that unit.
Staff caring for the three residents deemed close contacts have been using enhanced personal protective equipment, and PPE use across the site has also been enhanced to reduce the risk of transmission, Island Health said.
These other actions are also underway according to Island Health.
- All 44 residents in the long-term care facility will be tested for COVID-19.
- All staff who work in the long-term care facility will be tested.
- Island Health Public Health nurses are attending the site to expedite testing.
- Out of an abundance of caution, the residents of the adjacent assisted living facility will be tested for COVID-19.
- Additional housecleaning and care aide staff support is being provided to the site.
- Enhanced monitoring of residents and staff for symptoms.
During this time, Island Health said it will have an additional presence at the site to take any further actions required, support the facility and answer questions from staff, residents and family members.
On Wednesday, 20 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the Island Health region.
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