Thursday, March 28, 2024

Another COVID-19 outbreak declared at Victoria General Hospital

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As the virus circulates, Island Health is declaring more COVID-19 outbreaks locally and across Vancouver Island.

In a Tuesday update, nine patient cases have been identified within Neuromedicine units 6A and 6B at Victoria General Hospital (VGH).

The health authority says the outbreak is limited to the two units, with no other areas of the hospital affected at this time.

“VGH remains a safe place to attend, and people should not avoid seeking emergency care, should they need it,” Island Health said.

The hospital experienced a small outbreak earlier this year when two patients contracted the virus.

Meanwhile, farther north, COVID-19 outbreaks are plaguing two facilities in Nanaimo.

At Nanaimo Seniors Village, Island Health says two resident cases have been identified in an outbreak limited to the assisted living side of the facility.

And at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, five patients within the 5th-floor medicine unit have tested positive. Similar to VGH, no other hospital areas are currently affected.

At all three sites, Island Health says case numbers are confirmed via PCR testing or follow-up from its case and contact management team.

In general, it says the following outbreak response protocols are in place:

  • Essential visits can continue, but social visits cannot
  • Staff movement will be limited wherever possible
  • No congregate dining or group activities for residents of affected units
  • Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures will continue
  • Residents, families and staff are being notified
  • Enhanced screening of all staff and residents for symptoms

Greater Victoria outbreaks declared over:

Island Health says the outbreaks at Victoria’s Luther Court long-term care home, Sidney All Care and Sidney Care Home have been declared over. 

At Luther Court, three resident and four staff cases were attributed to its outbreak, with one resident case each at the two homes in Sidney.

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