Island Health has declared the COVID-19 outbreaks over at West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) and Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens long-term care home in Port Alberni.
With the implementation of comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in acute sites, there are no longer any COVID-19 cases related to the outbreak at WCGH.
Island Health declared an outbreak at WCGH on December 1, 2020, after evidence of transmission in the medical-surgical B-wing. One patient and one staff case were identified related to this outbreak.
Upon declaring the outbreak, Island Health immediately implemented additional precautions, including enhanced cleaning, as well as contact tracing to protect the health of all staff, medical staff, students, and patients.
The medical-surgical B-wing at WCGH is now open to new admissions and transfers. Essential visitors may also return to the hospital.
The outbreak at Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens was declared on November 16. One staff member and two residents tested positive for the virus. There have been no new cases related to the site since November 25. Communication with residents and families is underway and designated social visitation is resuming at the site.
We want to acknowledge our staff and medical staff who provided care to patients and residents, everyone involved in our COVID response, and our community for your support.
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.