World News – CA – Coronavirus: First indoor home resident infected with COVID-19

Two cases of the novel coronavirus were discovered at the Mountainview Village nursing home in Kelowna, B. C.. . including a resident.

The unfortunate milestone marks the first time a senior living in a nursing home in the Interior Health area has been infected with COVID-19.

« This is the first episode of transmission within an inland facility, » said Dr. . Silvina Mema, Interior Health Authority (IHA) health officer. « In the 10 months we have had the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not seen a transmission incident involving a long-term care facility. That has now happened and it is unfortunate. « . ”

All other nursing home outbreaks in the B. . C.. . Southern Interior was connected with employees.

The Good Samaritan Society (GSS), which operates the nursing home, posted the update on their website on Monday.

« I think we’ve seen COVID difficult. It is difficult to understand or actually control how it spreads, so naturally we are always concerned that it will spread, ”said Katherine Chubbs, President and CEO of GSS. « We know this type of living environment is spreading. ”

According to Interior Health, the outbreak applies to both East and West units on the second floor.

« Employees who are in close contact with these people are in self-isolation and are monitoring symptoms, » the health authority said in a press release.

There are 50 residents on the second floor of the long-term care facility, many of whom are currently being tested to see if anyone else is infected.

« We don’t know the source, » said Mema. « There is a possibility that a visitor or another resident was involved. That’s why we’re doing all of these tests at the facility to understand a little more if other residents are affected by the disease. « . ”

The facility comprises 81 independent residential units, 89 assisted living suites and 90 complex care units.

There is a temporary suspension of visits to all residents on the second floor, and all non-essential services have been stopped immediately. ‘

There is also minimal contact between residents and staff. « You’re more isolated in the room, » said Chubbs. « Whenever employees come across them, they wear personal protective equipment to ensure they don’t transmit the virus to residents of that unit. ”

A COVID-19 outbreak and related protocols also remain in effect at Orchard Manor in Kelowna, according to Interior Health’s website.

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Nursing Home, Kelowna, Indoor Health, Coronavirus, The Good Samaritan Society