COVID-19 outbreak at Surrey long-term care home

SURREY (NEWS 1130) — A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at a long-term care home in the Fleetwood area of Surrey.

The Fraser Health Authority declared the outbreak at Evergreen Hamlets on Friday, bringing the total number of active ones in the region to 11.

On Thursday, the province reported active outbreaks at 13 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and three acute-care units overall.

A staff member tested positive at Evergreen Hamlet, which houses people with multiple sclerosis, Huntingdon’s disease, and cerebral palsy.

“The staff member is currently in self-isolation at their home,” Fraser Health says in a release. “Enhanced control measures have been put in place at the site and Fraser Health is working with staff to identify anyone who may have been exposed and is taking steps to protect the health of all staff, residents and families.”

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority reported no new outbreaks on Friday.

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To date, B.C. has recorded 6,830 cases of COVID-19, including a single-day record 139 on Thursday — the same day students returned to school.

Of 1,412 active cases, 42 people remained in hospital, including 14 in intensive care.

While 213 people in B.C. have died from COVID-19, the recovery rate is 76 per cent.

Another 3,109 people are under active public health monitoring in B.C. as a result of identified exposure to known cases.

Health Minister Adrian Dix reminded people on Thursday, with cases surging and new outbreaks being reported, to keep their social circles small.

“I think it’s very important at this time, particularly as we go into another weekend of our extended summer here — our September summer here in B.C. — that we remember that when we’re engaging in social interactions, and Dr. Henry has asked us this week, to examine our social action so we remember to stick to six,” Dix said.

“Stick to six if you’re going out to a restaurant or a bar, to make sure your group is no larger than sick six. Stick to six if you’re hosting a small gathering in your home, and if your home is smaller, if it’s an apartment like mine, less than six. Stick to six when you’re going out with others or having them over,” he added.

“Remember to choose from the same group of people, the same six people, not multiple groups. Stick to six when your plans with others outside your host household have a contact keeper so we can assist you and find people if you were exposed to COVID-19.”