Fraser Health declares COVID-19 outbreaks at 2 long-term care homes in Surrey

Guildford Seniors Village is seen in this photo from the facility's website.

Vancouver — Fraser Health has declared COVID-19 outbreaks at two long-term care homes in Surrey.

One resident and one staff member at Suncreek Village have tested positive for the disease, as have two staff members at Guildford Seniors Village, the health authority said.

All of the people who tested positive are currently in self-isolation at their homes, and Fraser Health has implemented enhanced control measures at each site.

"Fraser Health is also working with each site to identify anyone who may have been exposed, and is taking steps to protect the health of all staff, clients, residents and families," the health authority said in a news release.

Among the measures put in place are restrictions on visitors, additional staffing to maintain normal levels, enhanced cleaning and twice daily screening of residents and staff for symptoms of the coronavirus.

Guildford Seniors Village is owned and operated by Retirement Concepts, while Suncreek Village is owned and operated by Suncreek Developments.

Both facilities have had previous outbreaks of COVID-19 declared.

The first outbreak at Guildford Seniors Village was declared on April 21 and declared over on May 1. A single staff member tested positive during that outbreak, according to data released by the provincial Ministry of Health earlier this week.

The first outbreak at Suncreek Village was declared on Nov. 5 and declared over on Nov. 23. During that outbreak, two staff members tested positive for COVID-19, but no residents were affected, according to the ministry.

Health authorities in B.C. declare outbreaks and implement enhanced infection controls in long-term care facilities whenever even a single case of COVID-19 is detected.