Recent outbreaks over and a new one declared. (Image courtesy CDC)

Outbreak over at Chilliwack General but another declared at Bradley Centre

Fraser Health steps up strategies with enhanced measures at care home facilities

The COVID-19 outbreak was declared over at Chilliwack General Hospital on Jan. 27, while another outbreak was declared at Bradley Centre.

“Fraser Health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak over at Chilliwack General Hospital. With the implementation of comprehensive strategies, there is no longer an outbreak at this site,” according to the Fraser Health release.

Bradley Centre, a long term care facility in Chilliwack, owned and operated by Fraser Health, is the latest in the region to see an outbreak declared. Two staff tested positive and are currently in self-isolation at home.

The centre suffered an earlier outbreak Dec. 4, when staff tested positive. At the time it was the third outbreak in a care home in a two-week span.

“Enhanced control measures have been put in place at the site.”

As per their protocol Fraser Health is working to identify anyone who may have been exposed at Bradley and taking steps to protect the health of all staff, residents and families. The following measures have been implemented:

• Staffing levels supported to maintain care;

• Visitors restricted;

• Staff/residents movements restricted;

• Cleaning/infection control measures enhanced;

• Residents, families and staff notified;

• Twice daily screening staff/residents.

Fraser Health has declared COVID-19 outbreaks over at Rideau Retirement Residence in Burnaby, KinVillage long term care and KinVillage assisted living in Tsawwassen, The Mayfair in Abbotsford, and Morgan Place in Surrey.

“With the implementation of comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in care facilities, there are no longer any COVID-19 cases at these locations.”

Fraser Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long term care and assisted living facilities. In addition, Fraser Health has deployed care staff and our rapid-response teams which include clinical nurse educators, infection prevention and control experts, screeners, and patient care quality officers supporting with communication to families and assessing symptoms at sites with outbreaks.

“It is critically important for people living in the Fraser Health region to use the COVID-19 assessment tool and get tested as soon as you have COVID-19-like symptoms, even mild ones,” the press release read. “Please don’t wait.”

People living in the Fraser Health region can find information about test collection centres by visiting Fraser Health’s website. To book a COVID-19 testing appointment, complete a COVID-19 test booking form.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit fraserhealth.ca/covid19.

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