COVID-19 outbreak that claimed six lives at Esquimalt long-term care home declared over

A COVID-19 outbreak that killed six residents of a Greater Victoria long-term care home and infected three-dozen people has been declared over by Island Health.

The outbreak at Sunset Lodge in Esquimalt was first declared Aug. 27.

Since then, 15 staff members and 21 residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including six residents who have died.

“Island Health extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and care staff of those who passed away,” Island Health said in a statement.

Recent follow-up tests have shown that all residents and staff are now negative for the disease and the outbreak has been declared over.

Island Health said the long-term care home implemented “comprehensive” strategies to respond to the outbreak and commended staff for managing what it called a “challenging and complex” situation.

Island Health said now that the outbreak is over, staff will take the following measures:

• Extensive cleaning, as part of standard end-of-outbreak protocols
• Social visits will resume on the first and second floor on September 17
• Social visits will resume on the third floor on September 20
• Admissions and transfers will resume on September 20
• Resident movement around the home will resume
• Diligent infection prevention measures and appropriate use of personal protective equipment will continue

Sunset Lodge is owned and operated by the Salvation Army.

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