Another COVID-19 death has been reported at an East Ladner long-term care home.
According to an update provided Tuesday by the Good Samaritan Society, which operates the Delta View Care Centre, the number of resident deaths over the past day had increased from seven to eight.
The society also notes there are currently 26 active employee COVID-19 cases, while six residents and two employees have recovered.
Early last month, Fraser Health declared an outbreak at the care home, which previously had exposure events involving staff members, but no resident deaths.
Delta View is a 296-bed facility that is owned and operated by the society.
In a letter last Friday to families, Scott Fielding, vice-president of operations, quality and clinical supports, stated, “Any death resulting from this virus is one too many, and I want to express my sincere condolences to those families that have lost their loved one due to this outbreak. Please know that the employees who cared for them are grieving with you and that chaplaincy support is currently available at the care home for any residents or family members that need someone to talk to. I know that this is information nobody wanted to receive, but I want to assure you that we continue to comply with all of the public health orders and are working closely with Fraser Health.”
He also explained that while they still require residents to isolate in their rooms on all units out of an abundance of caution, several units are also on contact droplet precautions. That means employees are wearing full personal protective equipment when entering resident areas to provide care and service.
All visitation is still limited to compassionate care reasons only.
The provincial government this week announced it has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the province's COVID-19 pandemic response.
The state of emergency is extended through Dec. 22.
