COVID-19 outbreak declared at Discovery Harbour long-term care home in Campbell River

Another COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at a long-term care home.

Island Health declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Discovery Harbour long-term care home in Campbell River on Thursday after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member who tested positive is self-isolating at home.

This is the second long-term care home on Vancouver Island where an outbreak has been declared. B.C. health authorities declare outbreaks at long-term care homes if one person tests positive as part of provincial policy.

There is an ongoing outbreak at the Tsawaayuss (Rainbow Gardens) long-term care home in Port Alberni. That outbreak, which was declared on Nov. 16 after a staff member tested positive, is confined to the long-term care building. A resident of the building has also tested positive for COVID-19.

Island Health said no residents of the care home are experiencing symptoms and communication with residents and families is underway.

Discovery Harbour is owned and operated by Park Place Seniors Living. The outbreak is limited to one neighbourhood within the facility, Island Health said. Admissions, transfers and visitation to the entire site have been stopped.

Enhanced control measures have been put in place at the site, according to Island Health.

Island Health is working with Discovery Harbour leadership and staff to identify anyone who may have been exposed and is taking steps to protect the health of all residents and staff.

The following measures have been implemented at the site:

• Staffing levels will be maintained to provide resident care.
• Visitors are restricted throughout the facility.
• Staff and resident movement in the facility has been restricted.
• Cleaning and infection control measures have been enhanced.
• Residents, families and staff are being notified.
• All residents on the affected neighbourhood are being tested for COVID-19.
• All staff who worked on the affected neighbourhood with the confirmed case are being tested for COVID-19.
• Twice a day screening of all staff and residents.

During this time, Island Health said it will have additional presence at the site to take any further actions required, support the facility, and answer questions from staff, residents and family members.

For more information about COVID-19 exposures in Island Health, visit here.

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