Summerset retirement village coronavirus outbreak infects 23 residents

Somerset said the virus and other winter diseases continue to spread in the local village, just as they do across the country. (File photo)
photo: 123 RF

An outbreak has broken out at a Wellington retirement village, with more than 20 residents testing positive for Covid-19.

Somerset said 22 of the village’s 190 residents tested positive for the virus last week, along with one resident at the nursing home level.

“There have been no new cases since last Friday and the last confirmed residents are expected to complete the recommended five-day isolation period tomorrow,” said communications director Logan Mudge.

He said a series of recent events and activities had led to the surge.

“While we ask those who feel unwell not to attend these events, a person can often be contagious without showing full symptoms.

“As soon as we became aware of a case of coronavirus in the village, we postponed or cancelled other events to further reduce risk.”

March said the virus and other winter illnesses continue to appear in villages across Somerset, just as they do across the country.

During the outbreak, the organization restricted visits to residents’ rooms rather than common areas, staff wore N95 masks, and testing was conducted regularly throughout the village.