Four patients in Nanaimo Regional General Hospital’s transitional care unit have tested positive for COVID-19 and prompted Island Health to declare an outbreak.
The first patient tested positive on Oct. 31 after showing symptoms. Follow-up tests identified three additional cases, according to a release from Island Health.
The outbreak is limited to the transitional care unit, Island Health said. No new admissions will be allowed to the unit until further notice, according to the release. Visitation is limited to essential visitors for now. Island Health said it immediately implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning and contact tracing.
“No other areas of the hospital are currently affected. The hospital is still a safe place and people should not avoid seeking emergency care if they require it. All outpatient services and scheduled procedures will continue as normal,” reads the release.
Communication with patients, families and staff is ongoing, according to Island Health.
