Interior Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Castleview Care Centre.
The outbreak was declared on Feb. 1 and as of Tuesday afternoon, four residents have tested positive for the virus.
Interior Health told Castlegar News they will have an update regarding resident and staff case counts on Wednesday.
Castleview Care Centre is a 61-bed accredited complex care facility located in Castlegar.
Last week a COVID-19 outbreak was declared at Poplar Ridge Pavilion in Trail.
COVID-19 cases have been climbing in recent weeks in Castlegar, with 179 cases diagnosed in the last three weeks.
RELATED: Third record-setting week for COVID cases in Castlegar
On Feb. 1, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new guidelines for care homes.
Every resident of long-term care can now have a designated visitor … even if there are cases of COVID in the facility,” said Henry at a press conference Tuesday.
Designated visitors are in addition to a resident’s essential visitors. Essential visitors are those who provides feeding, mobility, personal care or communication supports.
However, vaccinations and PPE will continue to be required for all facility visitors.
How outbreaks are declared at care facilities is also changing. For most of the pandemic, a positive test by a single resident or more than one staff member that suggests transmission within the facility would trigger a declaration. Henry said regional medical health officers can now use discretion when investigating conditions at a long-term care home.
betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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