Sunday November 29, 2020 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke, editor | Island Social Trends
On this Sunday November 29 in the afternoon, Island Health announced a COVID outbreak at a long-term care facility in Saanich.
Located at 4579 Chatterton Way, the non-profit Veterans Memorial Lodge (operated by Broadmead Care) now has one staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating at home.
Communication with residents, families and staff is underway, it was stated in a news release from Island Health.
The outbreak is limited to one unit, however Veterans Memorial Lodge is currently closed to admissions. The facility is home to 225 seniors and veterans who require long-term care services.
Enhanced control measures have been put in place at the site. Island Health says it is working with the care home leadership and staff to identify anyone who may have been exposed and is taking steps to protect the health of all staff, residents and families.
Proactive measures have been taken at Veterans Memorial Lodge, including:
- Staffing levels maintained to provide resident care
- Visitors on hold for all residents
- Staff and resident movement has been limited
- Cleaning and infection control measures enhanced
- Residents, families and staff being notified
- Ongoing screening protocols for staff and residents, including temperature monitoring.
Island Health says it has implemented strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long-term care, acute care, assisted living and independent living facilities.
There are currently also outbreaks in two other long-term facilities within Island Health — at Tsawaayuuss Rainbow Gardens in Port Alberni and Discovery Harbour in Campbell River.
- Latest COVID BC CDC statistics and Dr Henry’s comments – new-case count was 911 on November 27, 2020 (Friday November 27, 2020)
- Island Health COVID Information page | Outbreaks & Exposures in Island Health
