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November 03, 2020 - 12:45 PM
Interior Health is investigating a COVID-19 exposure at a Kelowna care home but no outbreak has been declared at this time.
"Interior Health cannot comment on individual cases unless an outbreak is declared, however, we are investigating a COVID-19 exposure at Mission Creek Landing," Interior Health senior communications consultant Karl Hardt said in an email. "At this time, no outbreak has been declared at this facility, but we have implemented additional preventive measures and closely monitoring for any evidence of COVID-19."
Mission Creek Landing is a long-term care home managed by the health authority which has 94 single rooms and five double rooms, according to Interior Health.
Canada's chief public health officer Theresa Tam announced Saturday, Oct. 31 that the spread of COVID-19 is shifting towards seniors.
Tam said that while the summer saw cases concentrated in the 20 to 39 age range, infection rates are now accelerating in older populations, according to a statement.
Reports of outbreaks in long-term care centres and retirement homes have been rising in recent weeks, but seem to be more contained than the eruption of cases that overwhelmed facilities in April and May, Tam said.
B.C. families have also been frustrated with the application process to receive an essential visitor status to be able to visit their loved ones in care homes. Many residents in care facilities have been unable to visit with other residents and before the pandemic, had family members who visited and would help feed and clean them.
Seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie said during a press briefing Nov. 3 that provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry's orders need to be regionalized in order to open up some long-term care homes to visitors.
READ MORE: B.C. may have to adjust COVID-19 strategy to get more visitors into long term care homes
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