The COVID-19 outbreak at Dufferin Care Centre is over.
The declaration was lifted this afternoon (Nov. 26), nearly 24 hours after Fraser Health confirmed to the Tri-City News one resident died due to complications with the virus at the Coquitlam long-term care facility.
In the latest data provided, it's the only recorded death among a total of 21 lab-confirmed cases found during the 16-day outbreak.
This included 19 residents and two staff members since the initial alert on Nov. 10.
There are no more COVID-19 infections at the retirement centre, Fraser Health explains in its update, thanks to implemented safety measures during the outbreak.
Since the start of the pandemic, Dufferin Care Centre has endured three outbreaks and has tragically seen seven deaths resulting from the virus' spread.
Four were during the first outbreak that lasted for two months until May 2020 among 24 total infections found.
The second lasted for one month and ended in April 2021 — two residents died and 16 total cases of COVID-19 were detected.
Fraser Health explains visitors can return to Dufferin Care Centre, but must show proof of vaccination a week past their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine to enter the facility.
"Visitors are required to be screened for signs and symptoms of illness, including COVID-19 symptoms, and asked to sign in for contact tracing purposes, prior to entry at every visit," the authority says.
"Visitors who do not demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated may visit outdoors and must adhere to all infection prevention and control requirements, including wearing a medical mask (for people age five years and older) during their entire visit. Exceptions related to compassionate care (e.g. end-of-life care), will be considered on an individual case basis with additional preventative measures in place."
For more information on visiting guidelines, you're encouraged to visit Fraser Health's website.
In an earlier statement, Fraser Health explained 98 per cent of Dufferin Care Centre residents had been jabbed with a third vaccine against the virus.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is currently reporting 89.6 per cent double-vaccination and 91.6 single-dose averages among eligible Tri-City residents aged 50 and older.
In terms of third doses, 36 per cent of eligible residents 70 years and older have received a booster jab.
