Island Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) in Port Alberni.
One staff member and one patient have tested positive, according to Island Health. The outbreak is limited to the medical-surgical B-wing. which is closed admissions and visitors.
The emergency department and the rest of the hospital remains open — there have been no impacts to other areas of the facility, according to Island Health.
Island Health said it has informed patients in the unit and they will all be tested.
“We would like to reassure the community that WCGH remains open and ready to provide safe care. The outbreak is contained to one unit and there is no need for people to cancel scheduled appointments or to avoid care,” said a press release from the Island Health.
After declaring the outbreak, Island Health said it implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning and contact tracing.
“Island Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in all acute and long-term care facilities,” said the press release.
Dedicated COVID-19 units are established at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria to care for patients with COVID-19.
