Gemstone Care Centre in Brocklehurst is refuting that a worker came into work, despite knowing they had COVID-19 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

GEMSTONE OUTBREAK

Gemstone denies allegation employee came to work knowingly COVID-19-positive; IH to investigate

Jan 15, 2021 | 5:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — Days after a COVID-19 outbreak at Gemstone Care Centre that has seen at least 12 residents and two staff members test positive, Interior Health is looking into the cause.

Concerned family members allege that during a Zoom call on Thursday, management notified them that a staff member went into work, despite knowing they had COVID. Medical health officer in Kamloops Dr. Carol Fenton says she is aware of the allegations.

“I have heard that and we will look for evidence to support or refute. We are investigating,” she said.

The president and co-owner of Trellis Seniors Services, which owns and operates Gemstone, Mary McDougall denies the allegations, saying it’s “false information.”

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“We have an exceptional team of people that work at Gemstone and there is no one involved that would knowingly act in such a way,” said McDougall. “What we believe has happened is that an accidental break of safety protocols must have happened.”

Dr. Fenton added, “For the last number of months, staff have been expected to screen themselves for symptoms, stay home when sick, record their temperature when they come to work, and wear appropriate protective equipment.”

Gemstone confirmed to CFJC Today the 14 people who have COVID-19. 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.”

According to the Gemstone, no residents with the virus have been hospitalized. Residents in affected areas are being isolated to their rooms.