VCH adds new protections to long-term care residents due to COVID-19
Posted March 21, 2020 10:41 am.
Last Updated March 21, 2020 10:42 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Vancouver Coastal Health is announcing several changes to help protect seniors living in long-term care homes, the most vulnerable British Columbians during the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to a release Saturday morning, changes include suspending inter-facility transfers, prioritizing admission to long-term care, and cancelling adult day programs.
There is also a Public Health Order to all licensed long-term care homes, which prohibits staff and volunteers from working at more than one health facility.
“The Order aims to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in long-term care homes and protect the health of vulnerable seniors,” the release reads.
All-access for visitors will also be denied, and transfers between facilities will be rejected to help stop the spread of the virus.
Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver is the centre of an outbreak, where seven seniors have died after contracting the virus at the care home.
