Island Health’s outbreak response has identified one additional case of COVID-19 related to the outbreak declared at Sunset Lodge long-term care home on August 27.
One additional staff person has tested positive. The new case was detected through testing performed on September 1. In total, 15 staff and 20 residents have tested positive for COVID-19. To date, more than 200 individuals (78 resident tests and 123 staff tests) have had negative results.
The majority of the residents continue to experience mild or no symptoms.
Extensive control measures were put in place immediately when the outbreak was declared and Island Health’s COVID-19 Long-term Care Rapid Response team continues to have an on-site presence to support the site through this outbreak. Island Health’s Medical Health Officer is confident that appropriate and effective control measures are in place, and these are being reviewed with the facility on a regular basis.
These include:
- Admissions, transfers and social visits are on hold while the outbreak is in effect;
- Resident and staff movement is limited;
- Staffing levels are maintained to provide resident care;
- Mask use and eye protection is required for all staff;
- Social visitors are restricted but essential visits may occur;
- Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures continue;
- Communication with residents, families and staff;
- Twice a day screening of all staff and residents continues;
- Expanded COVID-19 testing will be done.
Sunset Lodge is owned and operated by the Salvation Army. Island Health will continue to work with leadership and staff to respond to the outbreak and protect the health of all residents and staff.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit: www.islandhealth.ca/covid19.