Island Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in the transitional care unit of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital after four patients tested positive for the disease.
The outbreak is limited to the transitional care unit, Island Health said in a news release Tuesday.
The first patient tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 31 after displaying symptoms and follow-up testing revealed three additional cases in patients.
“Island Health immediately implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning and contact tracing to protect the health of all patients, staff and medical staff,” the health authority said.
RELATED: COVID-19 outbreak declared at Chartwell Malaspina Care Centre
“It is important to note that this outbreak is limited to the Transitional Care Unit and no other areas of the hospital are currently affected,” Island Health said. “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.”
Island Health said communication with patients, their family members and staff is ongoing.
The outbreak comes two days after Island Health declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Chartwell Malaspina, a care home in Nanaimo.
Three cases have been identified in the Hummingbird Unit of Chartwell Malaspina Care Centre, Island Health said Sunday. Two staff members and one resident have tested positive for COVID-19 in the unit.
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