Updated – Positive case of COVID-19 confirmed at the Florentine in Merritt

The Florentine in Merritt has confirmed a positive case of COVID-19 within their assisted living facility.

“It is unfortunate that despite all our effort for almost a year , we have been advised that one of our residents in Assisted Living has tested positive for COVID-19 even after having been vaccinated,” reads a post from their Facebook page.

The Interior Health (IH) Authority has officially declared an outbreak at the facility.

“One resident has tested positive for COVID-19. All staff and residents in close contact with this individual are in self-isolation and monitoring for symptoms. Testing is underway for all residents and staff,” states the release from IH.

“To protect the safety of all residents, all visits, except for end of life, will not be permitted at this site until the outbreak is declared over,” continues the release.

The Florentine has 38 assisted living beds and 24 long-term care beds. Interior Health is supporting the site as it implements outbreak measures including additional infection control and preventive actions.

The Florentine has entered a lockdown for health and safety reasons, effective Wednesday February 17.

In response to the case, the Florentine is enacting several restrictions.

“These include temporary restrictions to group activities, and non-essential services, as well as pausing our single designated visitor visits and non- urgent medical appointment,” continues the Facebook post.