Island Health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak at Saanich Peninsula Hospital over as of Thursday, Dec. 31
Dr. Bonnie Henry revealed the news during a live press conference and Island Health confirmed in a press release late this afternoon.
According to the health authority, it immediately implemented additional precautions upon learning there was an outbreak at Saanich Peninsula Hospital including contact tracing and testing to protect the health of all staff, medical staff, and patients.
Island Health says that due to the comprehensive strategies implemented in response to COVID-19, there are no longer any COVID-19 cases related to this outbreak.
Over the course of the outbreak, 11 patient cases, 11 staff cases, and four deaths were identified.
“To the family, friends, and community of the four individuals who passed away, please know that the Island Health family continues to grieve with you during this difficult time,” reads a statement from Island Health.
Now that the outbreak has been declared over, Island Health says that the following will occur:
- Continued vigilance around cleaning, use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and physical distancing whenever possible;
- Staff wellness checks will continue to occur at the beginning of shifts;
- Admissions to the acute care areas of SPH will resume on a gradual basis;
- The outpatient laboratory, which was temporarily moved to the Keating Cross Road lab location, will move back to SPH in the weeks ahead.
The health authority will publically share the information as plans are finalized.
Island Health says it has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long-term care, acute care, assisted living and independent living facilities moving forward.
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