A second person has died at Dufferin Care Centre, which has been grappling with a COVID-19 outbreak since April 9.
According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, there are now 16 cases of the virus at the Coquitlam seniors care home, all but three among the residents of the second floor, where the outbreak has so far been contained.
Three of the cases include a staff person and two practicum students, who remain in isolation at home, according to the facility’s website.
Two people have now died in the outbreak, that occurred despite at least 95% of residents receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to data from BCCDC.
It’s not known how many residents and staff have received two doses but Dufferin is one of only seven B.C. longterm care homes with outbreaks, suggesting vaccines are having an effect at dampening the virus.
Fraser Health’s top doc confirmed vaccines are “highly effective,” in curbing transmissions in long term care and assisted living facilities, particularly in reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
However, Dr, Victoria Lee, Fraser Health CEO, acknowledged that the immunization rate amongst these facilities “isn’t 100%” and that those who were vaccinated but still got COVID-19 may have acquired the virus within the 14 to 21-day period before shots have taken effect.
Lee was speaking during a phone-in press conference about AstraZeneca drop-in immunization clinics for people 30 and over that drew criticism for poor communication, long line-ups and questionable objectives, in that they didn’t specifically target vulnerable people or essential workers in high-risk transmission areas.
Lee acknowledged there were communication issues and promised to make improvements if there are any drop-in vaccine clinics in the future.
But she also stressed the success of the vaccine program in suppressing the virus, especially at long term care homes and independent living facilities.
When questioned about the outbreak at facilities such as Dufferin, Lee noted that “by and large what we’re seeing in FH is there are very few outbreaks and very, very few deaths, especially compared to earlier.”
Meanwhile, case numbers in the Tri-Cities appear to be dropping and Lee credited a combination of vaccinations, restrictions, case management and testing as “making a difference,” and she urged people to register to get vaccinated and follow COVID-19 protocols.
At Dufferin, families of loved ones are being asked for “patience” as restrictions are in place to prevent further transmission.
With the outbreak so far contained the the second floor, there are different protocols depending where people reside in the facility.
Limited group activities, visitation and dining have resumed for first floor residents, according to information posted on the Retirement Concepts’ website, while second floor residents remain in isolation.
