Health authority says no evidence of transmission among staff and residents at this time
A precautionary COVID-19 outbreak has been declared by Northern Health at an assisted living facility in Prince George.
The authority says the measure was taken after a staff member tested positive for the virus.
In the announcement, Northern Health says there is no evidence of transmission of illness among staff and residents at this time.
Medical officers have declared the outbreak in the Cedar Wing (upper west wing on second floor) based on the criteria for declaring outbreaks in care settings.
“In this case, it is a single lab-confirmed case in a staff member, who worked during their potential infectious period,” the authority says.
“Northern Health long-term care facilities have implemented very clear policies and procedures for COVID-19 infection prevention and control, and the risk of transmission to residents, staff and physicians at Gateway.”
Northern Health also says they are closely monitoring for any additional cases and taking extra safety measures including:
- Cleaning and infection control measures enhanced
- Increased system monitoring among all Gateway staff and residents
- Limiting movement of residents between the affected wing and the rest of the facility
The precautionary outbreak will not suspend pre-arranged social visits at this time and can continue for now.
The declaration will be in place until at least Dec. 9, which is 14 days after any potential exposure to confirmed cases. If there is no evidence of transmission of the virus after that time, the outbreak will be declared over.
A precautionary outbreak has also been declared at University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) after staff in its Family Medicine Unit tested positive for the virus.
Northern Health also says, with this instance, the risk of transmission is considered low as enhanced protocols are in place and will remain the same until Dec. 16.
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