The COVID-19 outbreak at the Waterford Independent Living Community in Tsawwassen continues to grow.
The first case was identified on Dec. 26, but as of this weekend, there are now 51 residents and six staff who tested positive for COVID-19.
Bria Communities, which manages the Waterford in Tsawwassen along with the Wexford, said in an update posted on their website that their staff continues to work with Fraser Health to do everything possible to stop the spread of the virus.
On Tuesday Fraser Health will be providing the Waterford with a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for door-to-door wellness checks with residents who have tested positive.
“We will continue our regular daily check-ins with all residents who do not contact us by 11 am. Certified Nurse Educators (CNE’s) have been on-site twice to provide additional infection control education and will make additional visits if needed,” said Bria Communities. “We have sufficient PPE on hand and continue to receive additional shipments every few days.”
Bria said all residents and staff who are currently negative will be tested again on Thursday, Jan. 7 and weekly thereafter until the outbreak is declared over. Any employees who develop symptoms will self-isolate.
“All residents are considered to be on droplet precautions pending results which means they must self-isolate and only essential caregivers wearing full PPE may enter suites,” said Bria.
Bria said when the first case was confirmed in in Independent Living community on Dec. 26, they took the following steps to ensure the virus was not transmitted to staff or residents in The Waterford Care Centre:
- Care Centre staff (direct care, nursing, recreation, and administration) no longer enter any part of The Waterford Independent Living community. Care Centre staff enter through a designated elevator where they are actively screened for Covid symptoms upon entry and wear PPE at all times.
- We implemented enhanced safety measures to ensure Care Centre housekeeping and laundry staff who, during their day, must enter centralized garbage and laundry rooms, avoid environmental transmission.
- Care Centre meals are prepared on-site in our commercial kitchen and sent to residents in specialized food carts via a dedicated service elevator so that the culinary team does not enter the Care Centre.
Bria added that they are committed to transparent communication regarding this outbreak while respecting the privacy of residents. Regular updates will be posted on the Bria Communities website.
“This is a difficult time for everyone: residents, family members and staff,” said Bria. “We are so appreciative of your support as we seek to track and contain the virus. We are also grateful for all our Care Centre and Independent Living staff who are going the extra mile at work, and in their personal lives, to ensure each resident’s safety and health.”
