Island Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in a Qualicum Beach long-term care home after one staff member tested positive for the virus.
The health authority said the staff member at The Gardens at Qualicum Beach is isolating at home, and the outbreak is limited to one unit on the third floor.
The four-storey facility is operated by Qualicum Beach Retirement Residences and consists of independent living, assisted living, complex care and privately owned condos. Admissions, transfers and visits have been stopped to the long-term care portion of the complex. Independent living and assisted living units are not affected by the outbreak, Island Health said.
Staff are in the process of contacting residents and families to inform them of the outbreak.
Enhanced measures have been implemented, including restricting staff and resident movement, enhanced cleaning measures, testing residents and staff associated with the affected unit and twice daily screening of all staff and residents for COVID-19 symptoms.
Island Health is working with the facility to identify anyone who may have been exposed, and representatives from the health authority are on-site to support the home and answer questions from residents and staff.
