For the second time in four months, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at KinVillage in Tsawwassen.
On Monday afternoon, in a media release, Fraser Health confirmed that two residents have tested positive for COVID-19 at KinVillage.
“We’re sorry to advise that late yesterday (Sunday) Fraser Health’s medical health officer declared an outbreak on the third floor of South Court,” said KinVillage in an emailed update to the Optimist. “This affects assisted living and independent residents who live on the third floor, as well as staff who work in the building.”
KinVillage says the first and second floors are not in outbreak and no other KinVillage buildings are affected.
KinVillage said a third floor resident of South Court was recently confirmed with the virus, having contracted it while out in the community.
“After swabbing two other residents on the weekend, we were notified that one of these, who lives on the third floor, also tested positive,” added KinVillage. “This evidence of transmission occurring in the building resulted in an outbreak, limited to the third floor, being called. The two COVID-19 positive residents are in isolation in their suites and are being monitored closely and cared for by staff. All remaining third floor residents are being swabbed for the virus today (Monday). Any staff member who may have been exposed in South Court will also be swabbed.”
KinVillage says in addition to existing public health and Fraser Health infection control measures already in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (twice daily monitoring of all residents and staff; enhanced cleaning protocols), all residents of South Court’s third floor must remain isolated and social visitors are not allowed. Staff are taking extra precautions.
The first outbreak at KinVillage was declared by Fraser Health Sept. 3, after a staff member tested positive. During the outbreak a total of four people were infected and sadly, one resident died.
Immunization program
On a positive note, KinVillage reports that an immunization clinic is being held at the facility on Monday for care home and South Court (assisted living and independent living) residents and staff who consent to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
“A team, arrived this morning to deliver the first of the two doses. Those who receive the first dose will be notified when they are able to receive the second dose,” said KinVillage. “While we’re excited that these immunizations will provide an added level of safety for residents and staff, all Public Health Officer orders and guidelines remain in place for everyone, even for those who have received the vaccine.”
