Officials at Kamloops Seniors Village on Hugh Allan Drive say a staff member tested positive for COVID-19 late last month

In a statement dated Jan. 2, General Manager Lisa Robitaille says they were told about the situation on Dec. 28 adding the staff member last worked in the 2B neighbourhood of the facility on Dec. 27 and was wearing proper protective gear at all times.

“The staff member is isolating at home and is doing well.,” she said. “We continue to do daily check-ins with them.”

Interior Health has not yet declared an outbreak at the facility, saying the exposure was investigated and resolved.

“A Medical Health Officer decides when an outbreak is declared based on a thorough investigation of the circumstances,” spokesperson Susan Duncan told NL News.

Robitaille says as a precaution, all visits have been cancelled for the time-being.

“Further, as a precautionary measure, we did follow up and provided those residents who were in contact with our staff member a COVID swab,” Robitaille added. “We are waiting to hear back regarding results. Again this is a precautionary measure and currently all our residents and staff remain asymptomatic with no signs or symptoms.”

“We are not in a COVID outbreak at this time but taking proactive approach. I can assure you that if there are any changes we will notify you in a timely manner.”

In her statement, Robitaille goes on to stress the importance of people wearing masks, noting staff at Kamloops Seniors Village continue to wear PPE at all times whether they’re interacting with residents or not.

“Hand washing, hand washing, and hand washing. The staff will continue cohorting to their respective neighborhoods to decrease any transmission,” she said. “We also have additional housekeeping staff for enhanced cleaning and to allow for staff-floor grouping.”

“For our tenants, to help keep you safe, when you are in public spaces (other than the dining room while eating) and not wearing a mask in the building you will be directed to wear one. If you do not want to wear one we understand and want to give you that choice, saying that if you choose to not wear one you will be asked to return to your room.”

NL News has reached out to Retirement Concepts, the company that operates Kamloops Seniors Village and is awaiting a response.