Terrace East Staff – COVID Swabbing Required

September 12, 2021

Dear Staff of Menno Terrace East,

We are writing to notify you that an individual at Menno Terrace East was diagnosed with COVID-19. The Fraser Health COVID-19 Prevention and Control team is working with the facility to identify anyone who may have been exposed and to take steps to protect the health of all residents and staff. Symptoms of COVID-19 may be mild or severe. These may include low grade fever, cough, sneezing, and/or sore throat. More severe symptoms could include fever, difficulty breathing and/or chest pain. Most people will experience mild illness.

This exposure does not mean you are infected with COVID-19. Given the serious health risks of COVID-19 we have instituted enhanced control measures at the facility. We are asking all staff members to self monitor for symptoms. If you develop any symptoms, inform your supervisor, stop working, get tested and self isolate until results are returned as negative and symptoms have resolved (whichever is longer).

Public Health has done an assessment and is requiring all staff who worked in Terrace East between September 8th and 12th to get a COVID swab test immediately. As your test results are not reported directly to Menno Place, please phone staffing and your supervisor with the result of your COVID swab immediately.

We are taking steps to ensure that it is safe for you to continue to work at Menno Terrace East. Fraser Health will be providing infection control support to the facility throughout this time. Residents are being closely monitored for symptoms and standard infection control measures are effective in protecting staff and residents from infection.

Staff will be required to use PPE (eye protection and medical grade masks) during this time regardless of their COVID-19 immunization status. The elderly are at risk of severe outcomes related to COVID-19 and following the guidance is necessary to protect the health of residents.

Your health and the health of your families is important. If you have concerns about the safety of your working environment please raise them with your supervisor.

For general information about COVID-19 call 811, or visit HealthLinkBC: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfeature/coronavirus-covid-19.

Sincerely,
Katherine Chan
Public Health Nurse
Fraser Health Public Health
778-368-0123