COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care homes in Kelowna and Penticton both declared over

Interior Health has declared a pair of COVID-19 outbreaks over at long-term care homes in the Okanagan.

Two incubation periods, or 28 days, have passed since the last onset of symptoms in a resident at Mountainview Village in Kelowna and Village by the Station in Penticton.

As a result, the health authority has the confidence to declare both outbreaks over.

“I want to thank the staff for their commitment and dedication during these two outbreaks in long-term care,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO of IH.

“Thanks to their efforts, staff were able to limit the spread within the facility while ensuring the people living there received the best possible care.”

Eight residents and eight staff members tested positive during the outbreak at Mountainview Village and two residents died from the virus.

Village by the Station saw five residents and five staff members test positive, with one resident passing away.

“On behalf of everyone at Interior Health, we send our condolences to the families who lost a loved one during this difficult time,” added Brown.

IH’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Albert de Villiers added: “All outbreaks are challenging and I’m happy to declare two more COVID-19 outbreaks over.”

All eligible residents and staff members at both long-term care homes have now been offered their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.