An outbreak in northern B.C. that claimed two lives has come to an end.
The risk of exposure at Dawson Creek's Rotary Manor has officially passed, Northern Health says in an update this morning (Dec. 11), which lasted for less than 40 days.
Between Nov. 2 and Dec. 10, nine residents in the care home tested positive for lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Two men died from the virus; one in his 80s, the other in his 70s, and are two of the region's nine total deaths since the pandemic reached the region in March.
"Rotary Manor staff and care providers have diligently focused on enhanced outbreak control measures throughout Rotary Manor for more than four weeks, while continuing to provide excellent care to residents during this challenging time," states Northern Health.
"All Northern Health long-term care facilities have very clear policies and procedures for COVID-19 infection prevention and control, and these will remain the focus at Rotary Manor to limit the risk of transmission to residents, staff and physicians. This includes ensuring social visits, which can now resume for residents on the affected unit, follow strict COVID-19 prevention protocols. Visitors should contact the facility to arrange visits, and not go to the facility without these arrangements in place."
Earlier today, Northern Health downgraded its outbreak to 'precautionary' at the North Peace Seniors Housing Society apartments in Fort St. John, where one person succumbed to the virus.
One of the four buildings is waiting for the incubation period of an infection to be over before the declaration can be lifted.
There were 15 lab-confirmed cases recorded from the complex.
As of this publication, Northern Health has recorded 1,199 COVID-19 cases since March and a death toll of nine.
There are 402 active cases, 14 people in critical care among 43 total hospitalizations and 788 recoveries.
