Only long-term care home outbreak in Kelowna declared over

Photo: Britt Janz

Signs of support outside Orchard Manor and Hawthorne Park.

The first, and so far only outbreak of COVID-19 at a Kelowna long-term seniors care home has officially been declared over, after it was contained to single staff member.

Last month, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced an employee of the Hawthorn Park – Orchard Manor care home, located on K.L.O. Road, had been diagnosed with COVID-19. As a result, IH declared an outbreak at the care home, instigating additional measures to help contain the virus' spread.

On Tuesday, that outbreak was officially declared over, after no other cases of the virus were discovered.

“The successful containment was a part of the measures that were already in place – use of appropriate PPE, use of our screening tools, making sure that we monitor staff health at the beginning and end of each shift, as well as monitoring the residents twice a day as well,” said Britt Janz, a licensed practical nurse at the care home.

“Families are really joyful and appreciative of our overall dedication of the staff and the residents are happy, they're going to be able to get out a little bit and enjoy this beautiful weather. The spirits are high and people are excited.”

Interior Health spokesperson Karl Hardt says the containment of the virus was a team effort. 

"The successful conclusion of this outbreak is the result of excellent co-operation and partnership from everyone involved, including the operator and their team and Interior Health’s infection control and environmental health experts who worked together on the appropriate infection control response," he said. 

Of the 117 COVID-19 deaths that have occurred in B.C., 72 have been residents of long-term care homes where outbreaks have occurred, primarily in the Lower Mainland. There have been a total of 38 outbreaks at homes across the province, and as of Monday, 266 residents and 168 staff of these homes have been diagnosed with the virus.