A COVID-19 outbreak was declared Tuesday at Saanich Peninsula Hospital after one staff member and five patients tested positive.
Island Health says it has implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning and contact tracing, and all staff and admitted patients are being tested. Families of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 are being contacted.
While the emergency department remains open and outpatient services, including the lab and medical imaging will continue, visitors will be limited.
Another new outbreak has been declared at West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni after evidence of transmission in the medical-surgical B-wing.
One staff member and one patient have tested positive for COVID-19. The outbreak is contained to one unit, which is currently closed to admissions and visitors. All patients are being tested
The emergency department and the rest of the hospital remains open and there has been no impact to other areas of the hospital, according to Island Health, adding there is no need for people to cancel scheduled appointments or to avoid care.
Meanwhile, an outbreak at Discovery Harbour long-term care home in Campbell River is now deemed to be over.
Island Health declared the outbreak at Discovery Harbour on Nov. 19 after one staff member tested positive for COVID-19. No other cases in residents or staff were identified through follow-up testing.
Discovery Harbour is owned and operated by Park Place Seniors Living.
