A second tragic Prince George COVID-19 outbreak is over.
Northern Health announced today (Feb. 11) the outbreak declared at Jubilee Lodge, in place since Dec. 12, 2020, has ended as the exposure risk period has now passed.
A total of 17 residents lost their lives amid the outbreak at the Prince George long-term care home.
The authority says there were 48 confirmed cases in patients and 14 cases involving staff.
"Jubilee Lodge staff and care providers have diligently focused on enhanced outbreak control measures throughout the facility for more than eight weeks, while continuing to provide excellent care to residents during this challenging time," a statement reads.
"Northern Health thanks Jubilee Lodge families and residents for their patience, cooperation and support in recent weeks – and extends its deep condolences to the families, friends and caregivers of residents who have passed away in the past several weeks."
Many long-term facilities in the region have clear and strict policies involving infection and prevention control, and will remain important at Jubilee Lodge to help limit risks to residents, staff and physicians.
Northern Health says social visits can now resume while following COVID-19 prevention protocols, noting those who wish to visit the facility must make arrangements beforehand and not go to the facility unless arrangements have been made.
Yesterday (Feb. 10), the authority announced the outbreak in the Internal Medicine Unit at University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) was also finished.
The outbreak, which was initially declared on Dec. 29, 2020, recorded a total of 33 people who tested positive for the virus, broken down among 21 patients and 12 staff.
Sadly, there were nine patients who lost their lives.
Northern Health says there have been no new lab-confirmed cases related to the outbreak since Jan. 12.
"Northern Health Public Health continues to actively monitor and follow up all laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff and patients at any NH facilities," a statement reads.
As of this publication, the north has recorded 3,902 COVID-19 cases with 354 currently active.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) says 10 people are in the hospital throughout the region with eight of those in ICU or critical care.
A total of 91 lives have been lost since March of last year.
