One of Vancouver Island’s three active COVID-19 outbreaks at health facilities has been declared over by Island Health.
As of Thursday, there is no longer an active outbreak of the virus at Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum assisted living facility in Duncan.
Island Health had initially declared an outbreak at Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum on January 7, after one staff member tested positive for COVID-19.
Heightened restrictions and protocols were deployed at the facility and no other staff or resident tested positive over the span of the outbreak.
Island Health indicates that the facility has reopened to new admissions and transfers.
Essential and social visitations can now resume at the facility as well.
“During the outbreak, Island Health worked with leadership and staff at the facility to support steps to protect the health of residents and staff. All involved are to be commended for their efforts and ensuring no residents contracted COVID-19 related to this outbreak,” reads a statement from the health authority.
While the outbreak at Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum has been declared over, Vancouver Island is still experiencing two outbreaks at other health facilities.
Currently, outbreaks are ongoing at Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence in Nanaimo and Hart House long-term care home in Victoria.
A handful of First Nation communities have ordered members to shelter-in-place in recent weeks in order to combat the spread of COVID-19 as well.
A community outbreak is currently being experienced by Cowichan Tribes – which has reported over 70 COVID-19 cases since Jan. 1. Earlier this week, however, health officials started administering 600 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to tribal elders 60 years and older to help protect the community and its members.
There are currently 196 active cases of COVID-19 across the Island Health region after officials announced an additional 28 cases on Wednesday.
READ MORE: ‘I’m so happy’: Elders in Cowichan Tribes feel relief, line up to receive COVID-19 vaccine
Graham Cox
