Island Health has declared a new COVID-19 outbreak at an assisted living facility in Duncan.
According to the health authority, a COVID-19 outbreak has been determined at Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum assisted living facility, located at 5755 Allenby Rd.
As of Thursday afternoon, one staff member who works at the facility has tested positive for COVID-19.
Island Health says the staff member is currently isolating at home as Island Health’s Public Health team completes contact tracing to identify any staff or residents that were potentially exposed.
The facility, alongside Island Health officials, will identify close contacts of the staff member and will administer tests on any individual who may be at risk of carrying the virus.
Any residents considered a close contact will also be connected with Island Health’s Community Health Services to receive daily monitoring.
Island Health says that no residents are experiencing any symptoms at the time of the outbreak declaration.
In the meantime, the facility has enhanced the use of personal protective equipment and plans on significantly reducing interactions between residents.
Dining in common areas will be suspended for the time being as well and residents will be served meals in their rooms.
Also, all admissions and transfers will be ceased.
“During this time, Island Health will work with leadership and staff at the facility to support steps to protect the health of residents and staff,” reads a statement from the health authority.
This marks the second outbreak that is currently ongoing on Vancouver Island. Chartwell Malaspina, a long-term care facility in Nanaimo, has announced seven residents and one staff member have been infected by COVID-19 since an outbreak was declared on Dec. 28.
Graham Cox
