South Okanagan senior care facilities bracing for COVID-19

Long-term care facilities such as Sunnybank Centre in Oliver are taking robust steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (File photo)

Lyonel Doherty

Aberdeen Publishing

The Provincial Health Services Authority says all facilities, including long-term care homes in Oliver and Osoyoos, are taking robust steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Media relations officer Jane Campbell said these steps include identifying those who meet the criteria for possible coronavirus infection and ensuring they do not pose a risk to others.

“The majority of COVID-19 cases have been mild, however, risk of severe illness increases sharply for people in their 70s and older and those with underlying medical conditions,” she said.

Read more: Atom Fiesta hockey tournament cancelled, Venables shows still on

Campbell noted that long-term care facilities are also preparing for the possibility of broader spread of COVID-19 in B.C. in accordance with the government-wide pandemic preparedness plan.

“Those interacting with residents at senior long-term care facilities should be aware of the particular risks of respiratory illnesses to older people and other vulnerable groups,” she said.

Proper precautions to protect residents include washing hands regularly, coughing/sneezing into elbows and staying home if unwell, particularly if you have travelled outside of Canada in the previous 14 days or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.