Photo: GSS

COVID-19 outbreaks at two Okanagan care homes have now been declared over.

Village by the Station in Penticton and Mountainview Village in Kelowna are free of the coronavirus. An outbreak is declared over when two incubation periods, or 28 days, have passed from the last onset of symptoms in a resident.

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

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

There were 10 COVID-19 cases linked to the outbreak at Village by the Station: five residents and five staff. One resident passed away.

There were 16 cases linked to the outbreak at Mountainview Village: eight residents and eight staff. Two residents died.

“All outbreaks are challenging and I’m happy to declare two more COVID-19 outbreaks over,” said Dr. Albert de Villiers, chief medical health officer. “It’s important everyone continues to follow precautions to limit the spread of the virus in our communities so we can protect our most vulnerable people.”