COVID-19 outbreak declared at Heritage Square in Vernon

Four staff members and six residents of Heritage Square in Vernon have tested positive for COVID-19.

Interior Health said in a Dec. 27 press release the six residents who have tested positive all reside in the long term care areas of the facility.

The operator has implemented a temporary stop to all visits across the site as an added precaution. Also all individuals who have been in close contact with those who tested positive for the disease are in self-isolation and monitoring for symptoms. Families of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been contacted directly.

"Interior Health and the operator will continue to monitor the situation while implementing additional infection control and preventive measures," according to the statement.

This includes monitoring of all residents for respiratory symptoms and doing COVID-19 testing on anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, enhanced cleaning protocols and COVID-19 visitor policies.

Heritage Square is a private long-term care and assisted living facility operated by Kaigo.

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