The COVID-19 outbreak at Saanich Peninsula Hospital continues to grow after another staff member tested positive for the virus.
In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Island Health confirmed one additional staff member has tested positive with the virus.
To date, nine patients and six staff members have tested positive for the virus at the hospital. One person has also died of the virus over the weekend.
“The testing continues to confirm that the outbreak is limited to acute care areas of the hospital and no new sources of transmission have been identified. Patients in the acute care areas continue to be closely monitored for symptoms and targeted staff testing continues,” Island Health said in the release.
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Whether they were a patient or staff member at the hospital is not being divulged by Island Health out of respect for their privacy.
“To the family and friends of this individual, please know that the entire Island Health family grieves with you during this incredibly difficult time,” said Island Health President and CEO, Kathy MacNeil in an emailed statement.
“For the Island Health team members who provided compassionate care and support, you are in my thoughts and I am grateful for your efforts.”
“Testing continues to confirm that the outbreak at SPH is limited to acute care areas. Patients in acute care areas continue to be closely monitored for symptoms.”
Staff members who had direct contact with patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are also being tested regularly and are being limited to the acute care areas of the hospital.
In a statement released late last week, Island Health announced they have temporarily moved their laboratory service outpatient collections to their Keating Cross Road lab, located at 2140A Keating Cross Road.
According to the health authority, the outbreak is limited to acute care areas, and the emergency department remains open.
There were five new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Island Health region Wednesday.
in total, there have been a total of 740 cases of COVID-19 in the region, seven of whom have died. Eight people in the region are currently in hospital, and four of them are in critical care, after contracting the virus.
Island Health reports that as of Wednesday, December 9, there are 158 active cases in the region.
- South Vancouver Island Active cases: 57 (-12) Total Cases: 244 (+1)
- Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 71 (-35) Total Cases: 330 (+1)
- North Vancouver Island Active cases: 30 (-2) Total Cases: 166 (+3)
