Island Health has declared a new COVID-19 outbreak at Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence long-term care home in Nanaimo.
In a press release issued on Monday morning, the health authority indicated that, so far, one resident had tested positive for COVID-19.
Island Health indicates that communication with residents and families is currently underway.
The resident who tested positive will be isolated to their room and the affected unit will be isolated from the rest of the building, according to the release.
As of Dec. 28, the outbreak is limited to one unit on the first floor of the Malaspina facility – owned and operated by Chartwell Retirement Residences.
Island Health as well as Chartwell has put a clamp on all admissions, transfers and visitations to the site in the meantime.
According to the press release, enhanced control measures have been put in place at the site as well.
Island Health is working with Malaspina leadership and staff to identify anyone who may have been exposed and will help coordinate next steps to protect the health of all residents and staff.
The following measures have been proactively 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;
- Residents will be tested, as per the strategy defined by the Medical Health Officer;
- Staff will be tested, as per the strategy defined by the Medical Health Officer;
- Twice a day screening of all staff and residents.
While the outbreak is active, Island Health says it will have an additional presence at the site to take any further actions, support the facility and answer questions from staff, residents and family members.
For more information about COVID-19, residents can visit www.islandhealth.ca/covid19.
Graham Cox
