Island Health confirms more cases of COVID-19 linked to Saanich Peninsula Hospital outbreak

More cases of COVID-19 have been linked to an outbreak at a hospital in Saanich.

Island Health announced Monday afternoon that one patient and one staff member at Saanich Peninsula Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19.

An outbreak of COVID-19 was first declared at Saanich Peninsula Hospital on Dec. 1 and since then there have been nine staff members and 10 patients who have tested positive for the virus. Two people have also died as a result of the outbreak.

Island Health says no new sources of transmission have been identified since the outbreak was first declared and that testing continues.

“The testing continues to confirm that the outbreak is limited to acute care areas of the hospital. Patients in the acute care areas continue to be closely monitored for symptoms and staff testing continues,” the health authority said in a statement issued Monday.

Saanich Peninsula Hospital currently remains closed to acute admissions, however, the emergency department remains open.

On a positive note, Island Health also declared COVID-19 outbreaks over at West Coast General Hospital and Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens long-term care home in Port Alberni.

RELATED: Saanich Peninsula Hospital patient concerned Island Health didn’t inform that she was ‘flagged’ for COVID-19

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