Saturday January 1, 2022 | VIEW ROYAL, BC [Update January 10, 2022: The outbreak that was initially declared on December 31, 2021 has now been declared over. In total, two patient cases were attributed to this outbreak.]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Last night on New Year’s Eve, Island Health declared a COVID-19 outbreak in two rooms on the general medicine unit on 4B at Victoria General Hospital (VGH) in View Royal.
VGH serves Greater Victoria and south Vancouver Island, with broader or specialized services for the full island.
Two patients:
Two patients have tested positive for COVID-19. The outbreak is limited to the two rooms on the general medicine unit on 4B, as this is likely where transmission occurred.
Precautions:
Since the first positive case, Island Health immediately implemented precautions, including isolation, enhanced cleaning, and contact tracing to protect the health of all patients, staff and medical staff. Follow-up testing identified one additional patient case.
Visitation to the affected rooms will be limited to essential visits only at this time.
No other areas affected:
It is important to note that this outbreak is limited to two rooms on the general medicine unit on 4B and no other areas of the hospital are currently affected. The hospital is still a safe place and people should not avoid seeking emergency care if they require it. All outpatient services and scheduled procedures will continue as normal.
Island Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long-term care, acute care, assisted living and licensed facilities.
Ongoing communication:
Communication with patients, families and staff is ongoing.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit: www.islandhealth.ca/covid19.