Tuesday December 28, 2021 | VICTORIA, BC [Update January 15, 2022: Outbreak declared over]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Island Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak on the second floor at Amica Douglas House long-term care home in Victoria.
Two staff members at the site have tested positive for COVID-19, said Island Health in a release this morning.
At this time, no residents are experiencing symptoms and the outbreak declaration is limited to the second floor. Communication with residents, families and staff is underway.
[Update January 15, 2022: Island Health has declared this outbreak over. In total, four staff cases were attributed to this outbreak, which remain limited to the second floor.]
Privately owned and operated:
Amica Douglas House is owned and operated by Amica Senior Lifestyles. Island Health is working with site leadership and staff to identify anyone who may have been exposed and is taking steps to protect the health of all residents and staff.
“Senior living at Amica Douglas House starts with a beautiful residence in historic James Bay, offering exceptional service by a dedicated team”, is the theme for the facility as stated on the Amica Douglas House website.
Amica Douglas House is located at 50 Douglas Street across from Beacon Hill Park.
Public health measures:
The following measures have been implemented at the site:
- No admissions or transfers to the second floor;
- Visitation on the second floor is limited to essential visits only;
- Staff movement will be limited;
- No congregate dining or group activities;
- Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures will continue;
- Residents, families and staff are being notified;
- Twice a day screening of all staff and residents continues;
- COVID-19 testing as determined by the Medical Health Officer.
During this time, Island Health will support the site to take any further actions required and answer questions from staff, residents and family members.
Long-term care strategies:
Island Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long-term care, acute care, assisted living and licensed care facilities.
During the pandemic, Island Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr Richard Stanwick has mentioned the serious attention that the health authority takes to any concerns or complaints about health situations in long-term care. All issues are investigated promptly, he said.
COVID information:
Dr Stanwick hopes the elbow-bump will become a standard greeting, instead of handshakes, as a legacy of the COVID pandemic.
For more information about COVID-19, see: www.islandhealth.ca/covid19
