There are 12 residents and two staff members at Gemstone Care Centre in Brocklehurst that have COVID-19 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Gemstone confirms 12 residents, two staff members have contracted COVID-19

Jan 15, 2021 | 12:08 PM

KAMLOOPS — The COVID-19 outbreak at the Gemstone Care Centre is growing. The president and co-owner of the care facility in Brocklehurst says there are now 12 residents and two staff members who have tested positive for the virus.

Mary McDougall confirmed the positive tests to CFJC Today. She says testing of other residents is in progress and results are expected in the next 24-to-48 hours to see if there are any more cases linked to this outbreak.

“We are awaiting information to assess if there is any further exposure that we are needing to manage or if we have determined that this is the extent of what we are facing,” noted McDougall. “The professionals are involved with us in terms of the medical health officer and Interior Health, and we’re following all the directions and orders. In addition, the continued use of PPE and following safety protocols are continuing and have been in place.”

Despite the outbreak, Interior Health says the other residents are scheduled to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on Monday at the latest. Residents who have contracted the virus will not be vaccinated, as it’s believed they will have built immunity.

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Medical health officer for Kamloops Dr. Carol Fenton says IH is investigating how the virus entered the facility. She says the 14 cases reflects the increase in COVID-19 in Kamloops and the B.C. Interior, which is now considered a hot spot in the province.

“The only way the virus can makes its way into facilities and other high-risk setting is if it’s circulating in community,” said Dr. Fenton. “We know we’re seeing higher levels than we’ve seen before.”