Island Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) after evidence of transmission in a transitional care unit.
Five staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 to date. At this time, the outbreak is limited to one unit, which is currently closed to admissions and visitors.
Upon declaring the outbreak, Island Health immediately implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning and contact tracing to protect the health of all staff, medical staff and patients.
Island Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in all acute and long-term care facilities.
Island Health has informed all patients on the unit, and all patients are being tested. In addition, Island Health is in the process of informing families of patients who are unable to share information of the outbreak.
The emergency department at NRGH remains open and there has been no impact to other areas of the hospital, at this time.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit: islandhealth.ca/covid-19.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Island Health after-hours media line: 250-716-7750