The COVID-19 outbreak at The Waterford in Tsawwassen is holding at 59 active resident cases and six staff cases in its Independent Living community.
In an update posted Sunday evening on its website, Bria Communities, which manages The Waterford, said in an abundance of caution, they ask everyone who tested negative to continue to self-isolate to protect themselves from contact with the virus.
“The Fraser Health LPN will monitor these residents for symptoms and ensure testing if they show any. All currently negative residents and staff will be re-tested later this week,” said Bria. “As it was 10 (or more) days ago that 51 residents were identified as positive, many residents and family members are asking if the self-isolation period is over. We are working with Fraser Health to understand next steps.”
Bria said here are the steps currently in place:
- The Fraser Health team on-site asks all residents to continue to self-isolate as we work together to contain the virus and keep it from spreading. Some residents may receive phone calls indicating their self-isolation is over; we ask that they refer to the on-site team’s instructions.
- The length of the ongoing self-isolation is still unclear. We hope to have more details later on Monday.
- Personal letters from the Medical Health Officer with further instructions for each resident who tested positive will be delivered to residents on Monday. A letter from The Waterford management will accompany it, providing clarification. Primary contact family members will receive an email with the Medical Health Officer information on Monday as well.
“Until Fraser Health declares the outbreak over, the dining room will be closed, hospitality services suspended, and recreation activities cancelled,” said Bria. “The outbreak will officially be over after two rounds of testing those negative with no positive results. We continue with the necessary health and safety precautions, and this week, are introducing a fogger that sprays aerosol disinfectant into high traffic areas like elevators.
“We appreciate all the kind words of support pouring in from the community. Our staff are doing an amazing job providing high-quality service to the residents in such difficult circumstances.”
