A Burnaby resident has died just days after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
The announcement was made in an email sent to the residents and families of New Vista Society, which operates a long-term care home in Burnaby.
New Vista’s email – sent to the NOW by the family of a resident – also says two new cases of COVID-19 have been identified.
A fourth case was previously disclosed after a New Vista employee was diagnosed.
“We are writing to update you that two more residents of the New Vista Care Home (one from the isolated area in Cypress, another from Rose Garden) were diagnosed with COVID-19.As of today, both are being cared for by our clinical team in our COVID isolation area, in the now closed Adult Day Care space on the lower floor. Our resident who was sent to hospital, who we cared for deeply, passed away with family nearby at age 95,” read the email. “Residents who live in Rose Garden where the most recent person diagnosed with COVID-19 lives, are taking meals in their rooms and have been isolated from other residents.”
The New Vista cases are now being called an “outbreak.”
“In light of the COVID-19outbreak, control measures have been put in place at New Vista Society,” said the email. “This may result in some residents being confined to their rooms, including during mealtimes. You may also notice restrictions to group activities, and non-essential services. These precautions prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, and are standard approaches used in care facilities during seasonal influenza outbreaks.”
The Communicable Disease Control team in Fraser Health has been on site and is in daily contact with New Vista, said the email.
