There have been no further positive tests related to a COVID-19 outbreak at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital this week, the health authority says.
In a social media post Friday afternoon, Island Health said 59 people were tested following Wednesday’s announced outbreak of five COVID-19 cases, and all 59 tested negative.
“Contact tracing did not identify a risk of exposure to any other hospital units,” Island Health noted. “Anyone deemed a potential close contact is now self-isolating.”
READ ALSO: Island Health reports COVID-19 outbreak at Nanaimo hospital
The health authority says it is “still safe” to come to the hospital for scheduled appointments, as the COVID-19 outbreak was limited to one unit “and both staff and patient movement in and out of the unit is restricted.”
Island Health says it has “expanded precautions” at NRGH, including enhanced cleaning.
“[There is] intensive monitoring of staff for any symptoms. The entire hospital has increased diligence to mitigate the risk of transmission,” the post noted.
B.C.’s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Thursday that fewer than 10 per cent of the province’s COVID-19 cases have involved health-care workers. Of the health-care workers who have tested positive, the majority have been nurses and care aides.
READ ALSO: Nanaimo’s John Barsby Secondary now has ‘cluster’ of COVID-19 cases, too
READ ALSO: Stay informed about COVID-19
editor@nanaimobulletin.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
