After a big increase in reported COVID-19 cases among residents in the Independent Living community at The Waterford earlier this week, health officials and staff appear to be getting the upper hand on the outbreak.
For the past three days (Tuesday to Thursday), there have been no new positive cases among residents. That leaves the total number of residents who have tested positive at 54. There has been, however, one additional staff member who tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to seven staff who have tested positive. All staff are self-isolating at home.
The first case was identified on Dec. 26 and the number climbed to 51 residents, which was reported last weekend. That number then rose slightly again Monday when three more cases brought the total to 54 residents.
According to Bria Communities, which manages the Tsawwassen senior living community, the outbreak is contained in the Independent Living Community and has not affected the Care Centre.
“The Care Centre continues with enhanced monitoring and precautions during this time and we are making every effort to ensure there is no cross-contamination,” said Bria in an update posted on its website Thursday night. “Today, 50 residents and 26 staff who previously tested negative, were retested by Fraser Health and will receive the results from BC Centre for Disease. Testing among those who originally tested negative will occur weekly. Fraser Health will declare this outbreak over after two rounds of testing where there are no new positive results.”
Earlier this week, a Fraser Health LPN visited all residents who previously tested positive. Residents continue to report only mild if any symptoms, said Bria.
“We have been on ‘essential visitors only’ protocol since Nov. 19 and everyone entering the building is actively screened by Fraser Health,” added Bria. “Anyone coming into direct contact with a resident in their suites wears PPE. Enhanced cleaning and safety precautions are in effect throughout the building and Fraser Health staff are on-site auditing and giving oversight.”
