COVID-19 confirmed at 2 more Lower Mainland care homes

Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at two new care homes in the Lower Mainland, as the list of care facilities affected by the outbreak in British Columbia continues to grow.

The Langley Lodge in Langley and the Amica Edgemont Village in North Vancouver have each seen a staff member test positive for the virus, a statement and letter confirmed Tuesday.

A resident at the North Vancouver home has also been positively diagnosed with the illness.

Fraser Health response

A statement from Fraser Health said the affected employee in Langley is self-isolating at home.

The health authority said "enhanced control measures" have been put in place at the lodge, which is a not-for-profit charity owned by the Langley Care Society. Officials are working with remaining staff to identify anyone else who may have been exposed.

"A Fraser Health SWAT team is on site and communication with residents and families is underway," the statement said.

Ben Nelms/CBC
Ben Nelms/CBC

Fraser Health said all staff and residents are being screened for the novel coronavirus twice a day.

Vancouver Coastal Health response

As for Edgemont Village, a Vancouver Coastal Health letter sent to families on Monday said affected residents will be isolated to their rooms and staff members who are sick are not allowed to come to work.

Both facilities are only accepting essential visitors.

Ben Nelms/CBC
Ben Nelms/CBC

Last Thursday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry ordered workers at long-term residences to restrict their work to one facility at a time to stop the virus from spreading between multiple care homes.

There were COVID-19 cases in 13 different long-term care and assisted-living homes in B.C. as of Monday.

If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us at impact@cbc.ca.