First virus case at care home outside Lower Mainland recorded

Photo: Contributed

A staff member at a long-term care facility in Cranbrook has tested positive for COVID-19 — the first case of the virus at a care home outside the Lower Mainland. 

In an online bulletin, IH says the Kootenay Street Village (KSV) staffer is in self-isolation at home.

"No residents have been affected to date," the health authority says.

The care home has 36 beds and is owned and operated by Golden Life Management.

"Interior Health and the operator are taking steps to protect the health of all staff, individuals in care and families," reads a statement from IH. "A response team comprising infection control and environmental health experts is working with the facility to assess and recommend appropriate infection control response. Communication with residents and families is underway."

The risk of exposure to residents from this case is low, IH adds.

Staff working at KSV will only be allowed to work at KSV to reduce risk of transmission to any other facilities in Cranbrook. Any staff deemed to have had significant contact with the case have been directed to self-isolate at home for 14 days. Both staff and residents at this facility will be monitored very closely, with testing and isolation as appropriate.

In addition, Interior Health has implemented the following at KSV:

• The movement of staff and residents within the facility has been restricted.
• Cleaning and infection control measures have been enhanced.
• Twice-a-day screening of all staff and residents.

Interior Health says it will continue to have a presence at the site to take any further actions required and to support staff.

Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health are the other two health authorities that have experienced a virus outbreak.