An outbreak of the novel coronavirus at a White Rock care home has grown in leaps and bounds, from one case reported on Nov. 4 to 38 as of Nov. 16.
As well, one of three recent deaths at the facility – White Rock Seniors Village (1183 Maple St.) – has been due to COVID-19, according to a letter to families posted on the Retirement Concept website.
READ MORE: New COVID-19 outbreak at White Rock Seniors Village
The letter – which was updated Nov. 16 with information of the deaths and to advise that all of the virus-positive residents are on the third floor of the facility’s long-term care building – says 22 residents and 16 staff members have tested positive.
All second-floor residents and staff have been tested, with negative results, the letter adds.
Residents are remaining in their rooms with dedicated care staff, the letter continues, and “extra precautions continue to be in place for the entire community.”
As well, the virus-positive staff are at home and are being contacted daily.
“Please know that the care and safety of residents is our number one priority, and that we treat this situation very seriously,” an earlier update noted.
So far, no one on the independent-living side of the building has become infected.
Visits to that side are limited to essential visits, by appointment, and all recreation activities have been cancelled.
“We have a number of outbreaks in the South Surrey White Rock area and we are urging our residents to go out only if it is essential. We hope that all families will do the same and support our efforts to remain safe.”
One other Retirement Concept facility on the Semiahmoo Peninsula has an active outbreak. At Peace Portal Seniors Village (15441 16 Ave.), one resident and one staff member have tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is showing no symptoms and the staff member is self-isolating at home, a Nov. 16 update states.
The facilities are managed by West Coast Senior Housing Management. A spokesperson was not immediately available to comment.
tholmes@peacearchnews.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
