4 new coronavirus outbreaks in BC, including 2 in private businesses

Vancouver – Public health teams are working to have four more Kovid-19 outbreaks in BC’s Lower Mainland, two of which are private businesses.

The other two were found at a long-term care facility in Metro Vancouver. Fraser Health personal staff said they tested positive at Laurel Place in Surrey and Fair Heaven Homes Barnaby Lodge in Barnaby.

“Better control measures have been put in place at each site. Fraser Health is working with staff to identify those exposed and is taking steps to protect the health of all staff, residents and families,” the health authority said in a news release.

Visitors were temporarily barred at both facilities and residents and staff were checked in twice a day.

The two community outreach was found at the Coast Spas manufacturing plant at 202 Street in Langley and the Pace Processing Plant at 55 Avenue in Surrey.

Fraser Health said there was evidence of “staff transmission” in both businesses. So far, 10 employees in Pace Processing and 12 employees in Coast Spas Manufacturing have tested positive for COVID-19.

“Authorities ordered the closure of both locations as public health teams are working with operators to strengthen their COVID-19 mitigation strategies,” Fraser Health said.

Meanwhile, four other outposts at health care facilities – Picks Assisted Living in Surrey, the Good Samaritan Delta View Care Center in Delta, Chartwell Wells Carrington House Retirement Residence in Mission and Thornbridge Gardens Retirement Residence in New Westminster – have been announced.

Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry said 16 of the long-term care homes are spread out and have supportive living facilities, including two in the acute care units.