COVID-19 outbreak declared at Nanaimo Regional Hospital

NANAIMO (NEWS 1130) — A COVID-19 outbreak at Nanaimo Regional Hospital declared Saturday brings the total number of active, acute-care facility outbreaks in the province to 10, including six on the Lower Mainland.

In a statement Saturday, Island Health says two staff members and one patient have tested positive, with the outbreak so far contained to one wing.

“The first staff member tested positive on January 19 after becoming symptomatic. Island Health immediately implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning and contact tracing to protect the health of all patients, staff and medical staff. Through broad testing of patients and staff who may have been exposed, one patient and one staff member were identified as positive for COVID-19,” reads a statement from the health authority.

#covid19 outbreak at Nanaimo Reg Hosp- one staff, one patient positive. Admissions halted into wing of one floor. Transfers out of two floors & rehab unit on hold.
Also
Another staff member in unit at #nanaimo LTC has tested positive.#bcpoli @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/WReGHXkUPW

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) January 24, 2021

In Vancouver, outbreaks persist at Mount St. Joseph’s and St. Paul’s, with visitors being restricted at both facilities. Emergency rooms remain open at both hospitals.

Elsewhere on the Lower Mainland, there are active outbreaks at Burnaby Hospital, Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, Surrey Memorial Hospital, and Chilliwack General Hospital.

Outbreaks are ongoing at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, and the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia in Prince George.