Additional COVID-19 cases were identified by Island Health over the weekend at two facilities experiencing outbreaks in Nanaimo.
At the Transitional Care Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH), Island Health’s outbreak response identified eight new cases since its last update on November 5.
That brings the total COVID-19 cases identified during this outbreak to 13 patients and two staff members.
The most recent patient cases were not experiencing symptoms and were identified through testing of potential close contacts, according to a release from Island Health on Tuesday.
All other test results received to date have been negative.
At this time, Island Health says the outbreak is limited to the Transitional Care Unit and the rest of NRGH remains a safe place to seek care.
Island Health is emphasizing that people should not avoid seeking emergency care at the facility if it is needed.
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The outbreak on the Transitional Care Unit at NRGH was declared on November 1 after evidence of transmission within the unit.
Contact tracing and further testing are still being carried out and Island Health says there continues to be ongoing communication with staff and patients.
Regarding Chartwell Malaspina Care Centre, also located in Nanaimo, one additional case has been identified in recent days.
During this outbreak, two staff members and three residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
Island Health says the outbreak is limited to the Hummingbird Unit at this time and the rest of the facility remains safe.
The outbreak was declared on October 31, after two staff members and one resident tested positive.
Chartwell Malasina Care Centre is owned and operated by Chartwell Retirement Residences and Island Health continues to support the site to protect the health and safety of all residents and staff.
Island Health has implemented safety strategies at both outbreaks in order to limit the transmission of COVID-19.
More information can be found at www.islandhealth.ca/covid19.
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