Tuesday December 8, 2020 | SAANICH, BC [Update at 5:40 pm December 8, 2020: two more cases, bringing the total to nine patients and five staff members who have tested positive.]
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc., editor | Island Social Trends
A COVID-19 outbreak at Saanich Peninsula Hospital was declared by Island Health last Tuesday December 1.
There was evidence of transmission in acute care areas. Two dates later there were six patients and four staff who tested positive for COVID-19.
The next day, December 4, there were seven patients and five staff members who tested positive. At that point lab services were temporarily relocated to Keating Cross Road lab at 2140A Keating Cross Road.
When the outbreak was first announced, outpatient services including lab and medical imaging were to continue. The emergency department remained open at Saanich Peninsula Hospital at 2166 Mt Newton X Rd in Saanichton, says Island Health.
Upon declaring the outbreak, Island Health says it immediately implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning and contact tracing to protect the health of all staff, medical staff and patients.
COVID-related death at Saanich Peninsula Hospital:
Now one person associated with the outbreak at Saanich Peninsula Hospital has died. The death was announced (numerically only, as within Island Health) on Monday December 7 by Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry.
Afterward, Island Health confirmed to Island Social Trends that this first death from COVID-19 on Vancouver Island since September 28 occurred at Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Out of respect for the privacy of the individual and their family, Island Health did not share any further details.
But Island Health President and CEP Kathy MacNeil issued this statement on Monday evening:
“To the family and friends of this individual, please know that the entire Island Health family grieves with you during this incredibly difficult time. For the Island health team members who provided compassionate care and support, you are in my thoughts and I am grateful for your efforts.”
All staff and admitted patients are being tested. Island Health says it is in the process of contacting families of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID deaths in Island Health:
Since September 28 there had been six deaths in total due to COVID-19 within the Island Health Authority. The total is now seven.
As of December 7, there are presently 10 people in hospital in Island Health due to COVID-19, with four of those in intensive care or critical care. Being in ICU due to COVID-19 often means being on a mechanical ventilator to assist with breathing.
Infection by the SARS-CoV-2 (aka COVID-19) virus causes damage to lung tissue (among many other body system impacts).
===== LINKS:
Island Health COVID-19: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19
BC Stats on COVID-19: BC CDC – COVID information
