Island Health has identified two additional cases of COVID-19 related to the outbreak at Saanich Peninsula Hospital (SPH). One patient and one staff member have tested positive for the virus, bringing the total to seven patients and five staff members.
The COVID-19 outbreak was declared on December 1 and is limited to acute care areas. Island Health immediately implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning and contact tracing to protect the health of all patients, staff and medical staff. Twice daily wellness checks to screen staff for symptoms of COVID-19 are being carried out.
Patients in the acute care areas are being closely monitored for symptoms and will be re-tested next week. Further, staff movement between acute and long-term care is restricted for all staff who have or are currently working in acute care areas at SPH. Our Public Health team has followed up with anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 at the hospital in recent weeks.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and, out of abundance of caution, we are temporarily moving our Saanich Peninsula Hospital laboratory service outpatient collections to our Keating Cross Road lab, located at 2140A Keating Cross Road. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other outpatient services, including medical imaging and day surgery, remain open but the hospital is closed to acute admissions.
The emergency department remains open and ready to provide safe care. If you require emergency care, please do not hesitate to visit the emergency room immediately.
Island Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in all acute and long-term care facilities. Dedicated COVID-19 units are established at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital to safely care for patients with COVID-19.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit: islandhealth.ca/covid19.