Fraser Health declares COVID-19 outbreaks in hospital, and long term care facility

Fraser Health has declared new COVID-19 outbreaks at Burnaby Hospital and Holyrood Manor, a long term care facility in Maple Ridge.

Both outbreaks were announced in a press release issued by Fraser Health on November 10.

Five patients at Burnaby Hospital have tested positive for the virus, and the outbreak is currently limited to one medicine unit, the release said.

The outbreak was declared after evidence of virus transmission was found in the affected unit, and it has been temporarily closed to admissions.

Precautions, including enhanced cleaning and contact tracing, have been taken at the hospital, and the emergency department remains open.

The outbreak at Holyrood Manor was declared after one staff member tested positive, according to the release. A rapid response team has been dispatched to the privately owned long term care facility.

The staff member is in isolation at their home.

Enhanced control measures have been put in place at the facility, and Fraser Health is working with staff to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.

To stop the potential spread, Fraser Health has implemented several proactive measures at Holyrood Manor, including restricting visitors throughout the facility and restricting the movement of staff and resident’s movement. Cleaning and infection control measures have been enhanced, and staff and residents are all being screened twice a day.

“Fraser Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long term care, assisted living, and independent living facilities,” they say.