The COVID-19 outbreak, declared by the Fraser Health Authority last week at Delta Hospital, is intensifying.
In an email to the Optimist Thursday night, a FHA spokesperson said there are now 10 patients and four staff associated with the outbreak.
Earlier in the day, FHA told the Optimist there were four patients and four staff associated with the outbreak, which was up from the initial two cases reported when the outbreak was declared on Sept. 16.
FHA also confirmed there have been two deaths.
"Currently, the outbreak at Delta Hospital is confined to one unit, which comprises the second floor of the hospital," said the Fraser Health spokesperson.
In the daily provincial COVID-19 update Thursday afternoon, Medical Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry acknowledged the two deaths.
"Tragically, we have had an additional two people in British Columbia who have died from COVID-19, bringing our total to 229 people," said Henry. "I want to express our condolences for these two people who died in the last 24 hours, both of whom died in the Fraser Health region."
In a news release issued last week, FHA said upon declaring the outbreak, the health authority immediately implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning, as well as contact tracing to protect the health of all staff, medical staff, and patients.
Fraser Health says the emergency department at Delta Hospital remains open and there has been no impact to any other areas of Delta Hospital.
Fraser Health has notified all patients on the affected unit about the outbreak, and in addition, have informed the families of patients who are unable to share this information. Delta Hospital is working with essential visitors to the affected unit on a case-by-case basis.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit fraserhealth.ca/covid19.
-with files from Ian Jacques
