At least 12 long-term care homes in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions have confirmed cases of COVID-19

Outbreak control measures are now in place at the Royal Arch Masonic Home in Champlain Heights

A staff member at another seniors' home in Vancouver has tested positive for COVID-19

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Another care home in Metro Vancouver has implemented outbreak control measures after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

Family members of seniors living at the Royal Arch Masonic Home in Vancouver have been notified no residents have tested positive, but an investigation is underway.

The letter from a medical health officer with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority says enhanced measures are in effect.

“Out of an abundance of caution, outbreak control measures have been put in place at Royal Arch Masonic Home. This may result in some residents being confined to their rooms, including during mealtimes. You may also notice restrictions to group activities, and non-essential services,” the letter reads. “These precautions prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, and are standard approaches used in care facilities during seasonal Influenza outbreaks.”

A daughter of a senior now confined to her room at the Champlain Heights complex says she’s worried about her mother possibly being exposed.

She’s shared a letter with us from Dr. John Harding notifying her an investigation is underway.

The letter from @VCHhealthcare medical health officer Dr. John Harding states control measures have been implemented to isolate residents who develop symptoms and those who don't will be monitored. A concerned family member says visits have been restricted since March 17th. — Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) March 29, 2020

The daughter, who doesn’t want to be named, says her main concern is finding out if the staff member who tested positive worked on her mom’s floor.

She says the last time she visited her mother was March 15, two days before the facility with nearly 200 residents was locked down to keep visitors from bringing the virus inside.

The letter she received from Harding states seniors who develop symptoms will be isolated and those who don’t will be monitored.

NEWS 1130 has reached out to administrators at the care home, as well as Vancouver Coastal Health for more details.Both have deferred questions to the daily briefings from Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Adrian Dix.

At least 12 long-term care homes in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions have confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported Saturday most of the 17 deaths have been seniors at these facilities.

Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver has been the centre of one outbreak, where seven seniors have died.

Those older than 65 and people with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of experiencing severe complications if they are exposed.

Canadians are being told to continue self-isolation and physical distancing to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As of 3:00 p.m. Saturday, 884 confirmed cases have been recorded in British Columbia.

-With files from Nikitha Martins