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November 20, 2020
Dear Residents, Families and Staff:

We are writing to notify you that an outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at Renfrew Care Centre. Public
Health is working closely with Renfrew Care Centre to rapidly determine which staff and residents may have been
exposed in order to prevent further infections.
Outbreak control measures have been put in place at Renfrew Care Centre. This may result in some residents
being asked to remain in their rooms, including during mealtimes. You may also notice restrictions to group
activities and non-essential services. These precautions prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, and are
standard approaches already used in care homes during seasonal influenza outbreaks. This will mean that visits to
Renfrew Care Centre will not be possible until the outbreak is declared over; the exception is compassionate visits
at the end of life. Further measures for infection control may be directed by Vancouver Coastal Health.
All staff will continue to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, as before, in order to protect both
residents and staff at all times. We will be closely monitoring residents and staff for symptoms. Residents and
staff who develop any symptoms, however mild, will receive the testing and care they need.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. It can spread through droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, or touching
the virus with your hands and then touching your face before washing your hands. Symptoms of COVID-19 range
from mild to severe. These symptoms may include fever, cough, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, temporary loss
of taste and/or smell; and sometimes nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. More severe symptoms can include difficulty
breathing or chest pain. While most people experience mild illness, older adults and people with pre-existing
medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
For further information on COVID-19 visit the Vancouver Coastal Health information page
http://www.vch.ca/covid-19 or call HealthLink BC by dialing 8-1-1.
For families with outstanding questions, requiring emotional support or needing assistance navigating the
healthcare system, please contact the PHC/VCH LTC Family Support Line at 1-844-824-2219 or 604-875-4953.
Please note that the PHC/VCH LTC Family Support Line cannot provide specific resident status reports. For
information regarding the status of a resident at Renfrew Care Centre, please contact Ying Chow, General
Manager, Renfrew Care Centre at: 604-216-2330 (direct line) or 604-255-7723 ext 145.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Harding, MB BCh BAO, MPH, CCFP, FRCPC
Medical Health Officer & Medical Director, Communicable Disease Control

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority