COVID-19 outbreak spreads in unit of Nanaimo hospital as staff member infected

A COVID-19 outbreak in the Transitional Care Unit of Nanaimo’s hospital has spread to two more people, including a staff member.

Island Health said two additional cases, one in a patient and the other in a staff member, have been identified through follow-up testing that took place after the outbreak was first declared.

In total, six patients and one staff member have tested positive for the disease.

Island Health said in a statement that the outbreak is limited to the Transitional Care Unit, and the rest of the hospital remains safe for people who need to seek treatment.

“Contact tracing and testing continues and communication with staff and patients is ongoing,” Island Health said. “Island Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long-term care, acute care, assisted living and licensed facilities.”

The outbreak in the care unit is one of two active health facility outbreaks on Vancouver Island, with the other being at Chartwell Malaspina Care Centre, also in Nanaimo.

Two staff members and two residents have tested positive at the care centre since the outbreak was first declared earlier this week.

There are currently a total of 40 active outbreaks in health care facilities across the province, according to the Ministry of Health.

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