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By Regan Tate

Covid 19 Outbreak

Covid 19 Outbreak declared in Independent Living at Chinook Village

Dec 18, 2020 | 7:24 PM

Medicine Hat–Public Health has declared an outbreak of COVID 19 in Independent Living at Chinook Village.

The outbreak was declared on December 15th.

In a letter dated Friday, December 18th, it states the outbreak is the result of the rise in the number of residents who tested positive for the virus one week prior.

To date, a total of 4 cases in more than one building have been identified. The last positive test was on December 11th.

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Information about which building the residents who tested positive reside in isn’t being disclosed because of confidentiality. According to the letter, Public Health collects contact information from residents and conducts contact tracing when necessary.

Public Health is recommending all independent residents book a COVID test regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms. This type of testing known as asymptomatic testing identifies residents who have the virus and may not be aware. “The quicker we can find out who has COVID, the quicker the response for isolation to minimize the spread,” reads the letter.

Several outbreak measures have been put in place including:

• Outbreak notices at all entrances
• Enhanced cleaning 3 times per day for entrances, elevators, stairwells, and railings
• All guest suites and lounges will remain closed
• Library and Corner Store is closed

Residents who do not have symptoms are being told they are not restricted from normal daily activities unless they test positive.

This means they can leave their suites but are being reminded to sanitize, mask, and maintain social distance.

It is recommended that trips out be for essential things only like doctors appointments, groceries or exercise

Residents are also being asked if they do leave to keep a log of where they have been.

Linda Hygard Managing Director of Chinook Village says all COVID-19 protocols are being followed.

And residents in independent living are not under lockdown because it is not considered a licensed care facility.

“Independent living is exactly that it is very much like condo living. So it is most unusual that public health would be in contact with us but because they are adjacent to the care side that’s why they took extra precautions about it,” Hygard said.