Island Health has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH). Two staff members and one patient have tested positive for COVID-19. The outbreak at NRGH is limited to the East Wing of the Fourth floor.
The first staff member tested positive on January 19 after becoming symptomatic. Island Health immediately implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning and contact tracing to protect the health of all patients, staff and medical staff. Through broad testing of patients and staff who may have been exposed, one patient and one staff member were identified as positive for COVID-19. Communication with patients, families and staff is ongoing.
Until further notice, no new admissions will be allowed to the fourth floor East Wing, and staff working on the unit will not work on other units. In addition, no transfers of patients from the fourth floor, fifth floor or rehab Unit out to long term care, assisted living or congregate settings will take place. This is out of an abundance of caution while the investigation is underway and contact tracing is completed.
To date, 63 patients and 58 staff members have been tested for COVID-19, and enhanced surveillance testing is continuing.
Island Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long-term care, acute care, assisted living and independent living facilities.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit: www.islandhealth.ca/covid19.