Outbreaks at seniors residences contributing to high COVID numbers
By Gillian Slade on March 17, 2021.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDGslade@abnewsgroup.com Alberta Health has identified family gatherings as a significant factor in the high rate of COVID cases but it is not clear whether Christmas gatherings contributed to this.In one week, between March 8 and March 14, the number of active cases in Lethbridge increased by more than 160. There have been outbreaks in seniors residences this year contributing to the overall numbers.
The View in Lethbridge had a total of 92 COVID cases and six deaths but no active cases there currently. Alpha House had a total of 80 cases, one death but only four currently active.
Alberta Health says there were 20 cases and three deaths connected with an outbreak at AgeCare Valleyview in Medicine Hat. Only a handful are still active.
Alberta Health declined to answer questions about whether contact tracing had been able to establish whether family gatherings particularly over Christmas has contributed to the outbreaks.
A spokesperson for Alberta Health says the vaccinating of staff and residents, in long term care and designated supportive living facilities across the province, began in January. It takes a couple of weeks for the vaccine to be effective.
Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines show protection 12-14 days after the first dose. High efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 disease is achieved one or two weeks after the second dose, the spokesperson said.
Additional protective measures in facilities have been put in place more recently.
“Since February, rapid tests have been shipped to all 366 AHS-contracted long-term care and designated supportive living sites,” said Sherene Khaw spokesperson for Alberta Health. “Rapid screening supports, but does not replace other health measures in place at each facility.”
Alberta Health does not provide details of the percentage of residents and/or staff that have been vaccinated.
Khaw says more information is still needed to understand the effectiveness of the vaccines in preventing transmission, including variant transmission. This is why Awlbertans, even those who have been vaccinated, are asked to continue to follow public health measures such as wearing a non-medical mask and maintain physical distancing.
Khaw says with any outbreak action is taken to limit spread.
“All positive cases are isolated, aggressive contact tracing is implemented to ensure anyonewa at risk of exposure is contacted, isolated and tested, and health officials investigate possible sources of transmission and any epidemiological links.”
Testing is also offered to all symptomatic and asymptomatic staff in an outbreak setting.
There is also a requirement that continuing care and acute care facilities immediately alert health officials and implement outbreak protocols as soon as a single suspected, probable or confirmed case is identified in residents or staff.
This is a precautionary measure. AHS officials may provide assistance around cleaning, testing, or other support needed to protect the public health, Khaw said. 3
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