COVID-19 outbreak at West Van's Capilano Care Centre declared over

An outbreak of COVID-19 that ravaged the Capilano Care Centre seniors home in West Vancouver for the past two months has officially been declared over.

The outbreak, which began on Nov. 9 after two staff members tested positive, was declared over Jan. 17.

During the outbreak – one of the largest in B.C. care homes during the second wave of the pandemic that hit this fall - 76 elderly residents and 66 staff members tested positive for the virus. Of those, 26 residents died of COVID-19.

Residents and staff at the care home were among the first to receive the Pfizer vaccine when it arrived in B.C. at the end of December. Most residents and staff were vaccinated Dec. 24.

In a statement, Dr. Rhonda Collins, chief medical officer for Revera, the company that operates the care home, said the care home is not letting its guard down just because the outbreak is over.

“We will maintain our vigilance, monitoring residents and screening staff and visitors for symptoms. Staff will continue to wear an appropriate mask and eye protection at all times,” she stated.

In a letter sent to families, the executive director of the home Connie Luck said the first priority following the outbreak being declared over will be to open up lounge areas on each floor and allow residents to move around their own floors.

On Sunday, Jan. 24, the care home anticipates resuming visits for one designated visitor per resident, once a week for 45 minutes, according to the letter.

Since the summer, Capilano Care Centre - an older care home with multibed rooms - has been the only care home on the North Shore to be hit with a COVID-19 outbreak.

During the first wave of the pandemic in March, Lynn Valley Care Centre was the first seniors home in the country to battle an outbreak. A total of 82 people were infected there, including 53 residents, 20 of whom died.