Death toll mounts in Okanagan long-term care homes

Two deaths at long-term care homes over the weekend brings to 40 the number of people who have died from the COVID-19 virus in the Interior Health region since the start of the pandemic.

The most recent deaths happened at Heritage Square in Vernon and McKinney Place in Oliver, according to an Interior Health media release issued today, Jan. 11.

“Our condolences go to their loved ones and caregivers,” Susan Brown, president and CEO of Interior Health said in the release. “We continue to see COVID-19 in communities all across Interior Health and everyone needs to remain vigilant in following precautions to minimize the spread of this virus.”

McKinney Place has a total 77 cases of COVID-19 including 54 residents and 23 staff, with 15 deaths connected to the outbreak.

Sunnybank, also in Oliver, has 22 cases with 16 residents and six staff infected.

Heritage Square has 32 residents and 10 staff infected. There have now been five deaths connected to the outbreak.

Creekside Landing in Vernon has 15 cases including 10 residents and five staff.

Noric House, also in Vernon, has 32 cases with 24 residents and eight staff infected.

Heritage Retirement Residence in West Kelowna has 42 cases affecting 37 residents and five staff, Two people have died in that outbreak.

Village by the Station in Penticton has nine cases including five residents and four staff, with one death.

Mountainview Village Kelowna has 16 cases affecting eight residents and eight staff. Two people have died.

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