Island Health is reporting one additional case of COVID-19 linked to an outbreak in the High-Intensity Rehab Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH).
With the additional case, a total of five patients have now tested positive during the outbreak.
According to Island Health, the symptom onset for the additional case pre-dates declaration of the outbreak and was confirmed through contact tracing and follow-up testing.
“This additional case is not the result of new or ongoing transmission on the unit,” noted Island Health on Monday evening.
All other test results in patients and staff were negative after over 80 tests were completed.
Following the latest case, there have now been five positive reports of COVID-19 linked to the outbreak, all of them being patients.
No patients from the unit will be transferred to long-term care or assisted living, adds Island Health.
“Until further notice, no new admissions will be allowed to the High-Intensity Rehab Unit, and staff working between other units is restricted,” adds Island Health.
Island Health said it immediately implemented enhanced cleaning and contact tracing protocols after the first case was detected “to protect the health of all patients, staff, medical staff and students.”
The outbreak remains limited to the High-Intensity Rehab Unit at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and no other areas of the hospital are currently affected.
“The hospital is still a safe place and people should not avoid seeking emergency care if they require it. All outpatient services and scheduled procedures will continue as normal,” reads a statement from Island Health.
Communication with patients, families and staff is ongoing.
Graham Cox
