COVID-19 outbreak at Vernon care home declared over

Interior Health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak at Vernon's Heritage Square officially over.

The COVID-19 outbreak at Heritage Square long-term care was declared Dec. 27, 2020, and saw nine residents lose their lives. There were 70 cases in total, affecting 47 residents and 23 staff.

"I want to thank the staff for their commitment and dedication and everyone in the community for their support," Interior Health president Susan Brown said in a media release. "Despite the challenges, staff continue to provide the best possible care. On behalf of Interior Health, I extend our condolences to the families of the loved ones who have passed away during the outbreak."

An outbreak is declared over when two incubation periods or 28 days, have passed since the last onset of symptoms in a resident, Interior Health said.

"I’m happy we are able to declare another COVID-19 outbreak over," Interior Health chief medical health officer Dr. Albert de Villiers said in the release. "With the first dose of vaccinations complete at our long-term and assisted living facilities, we are able to better protect some of our most vulnerable people."

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