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Vancouver Coastal Health declares COVID-19 outbreak at OPAL

September 10 2021

B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer rescinds orders for COVID-19

This news release contains information that is more than six months old and may be out of date. On July 26, 2024, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer issued an order to end the public health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinded all related orders. 

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at OPAL by Element after one resident has tested positive for COVID-19 on the Licensed Care Unit, second floor.

OPAL is a private care facility, owned and operated by Element. VCH will be supporting Element's outbreak response for the duration of the outbreak period.

Outbreak precautions have been implemented at OPAL. The Licensed Care Unit at OPAL is closed to new admissions and transfers at this time and all group activities have been suspended. Visits to the facility have been suspended until outbreak measures are lifted; with an exception for essential care or compassionate visits at the end of life.

VCH immediately implemented strict infection prevention and control protocols to prevent further transmission of COVID-19. These include:

  • Careful monitoring of residents, staff and physicians

  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of all high-touch surfaces

  • Closing the affected unit to resident admissions and transfers

  • Cohorting of staff to the affected areas

  • Self-monitoring or self-isolation of staff and physicians as part of Public Health contact tracing

VCH is responsible for the delivery of $4.1 billion in community, hospital and long-term care to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. VCH also provides specialized care and services for people throughout B.C., and is the province's hub of health-care education and research.

 

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