Island Health has declared three new outbreaks of COVID-19 in healthcare facilities in the region, while two are being declared over.
The new outbreaks are in Victoria, Qualicum Beach, and Duncan.
The outbreak in Victoria is at Amica on the Gorge long-term care home where six residents have tested positive.
The memory care unit is the only unit affected at this time.
In Qualicum Beach, the outbreak is at The Gardens at Qualicum Beach long-term care home on the Windsor unit.
Three residents have tested positive in this outbreak.
The outbreak in Duncan is at the Cowichan District Hospital, in the 2 central medicine unit.
Five patients have been identified in this outbreak.
Island Health says the hospital remains a safe place to attend for emergency situations and patients should not delay seeking emergency care.
For non-emergency situations, people can go to Chemainus Urgent Care and Ladysmith Urgent Care.
The following protocols have been implemented in these settings:
- Social visits will be paused on outbreak units. Essential visits will continue;
- No congregate dining or group activities;
- Staff movement will be limited wherever possible;
- Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures will continue;
- Additional housekeeping support is being brought in;
- Patients, families and staff are being notified;
- Enhanced screening of all staff and patients for symptoms.
Two outbreaks have been declared over in Victoria and Ladysmith.
Oyster Harbour long-term care home in Ladysmith had eight residents test positive in the outbreak. This outbreak was declared on Jan. 11.
The outbreak at Parkwood Court long-term care home was declared on Jan. 20. A total of four patients were associated with this outbreak.
Oyster Harbour and Parkwood Court will have their outbreak protocol ended. Enhanced infection prevention and control measures and monitoring of staff and residents for symptoms will continue.
Laura Brougham
