A COVID-19 outbreak at a Richmond long-term care home has infected 36 residents and three staff members, but the situation “can evolve quickly,” stated Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
The outbreak at Minoru Residence – near Minoru Boulevard and Westminster Highway – expanded to the entire facility on Dec. 31, after additional cases were identified at the facility.
The case numbers for the outbreak are current as of Jan. 3, VCH told the Richmond News in an emailed statement, noting that the “circumstances of each outbreak are different and can evolve quickly.”
“As situations evolve and under the direction of (VCH) medical health officers, outbreak control measures are adjusted to protect the safety of residents and staff,” the health authority added.
An outbreak was first declared at Minoru on Dec. 21, in the 1 East unit of the facility. Then, on Dec. 27, an outbreak was declared in the 3 West unit.
As of Dec. 31, the entire facility has been under outbreak restrictions.
“VCH recognizes the concern families have when a COVID-19 outbreak is declared, and we want to reassure families that the health and safety of residents and staff in long-term care homes remains an utmost priority as part of (VCH)'s pandemic response,” the health authority said.
After an outbreak is declared, positive cases are isolated and all staff and residents are tested and monitored for COVID-19, VCH said. Infection, prevention and control practices are carried out, and the health authority directly communicates with the families of those affected.
Families are updated regularly by VCH medical health officers and the long-term care home providers, VCH said, to “ensure they have accurate information about the extent of the outbreak and are available to answer specific questions about their family member in the care home.”
The health authority told the News on Saturday that the facility is currently closed to new admissions and transfers. All visitation, with the exception of compassionate visits at the end-of-life, are suspended until the outbreak restrictions are lifted.
Minoru has 250 complex care beds, split into 70 single bedrooms and 90 double bedrooms, according to VCH’s website.
