Island Health has identified another two cases of COVID-19 in an outbreak on a unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, bringing the total number infected to 17 — 14 patients and three staff members.
The outbreak remains limited to what’s called the transitional care unit.
All other test results received to date have been negative and there are no results pending.
The first patient tested positive on Oct. 31 after showing symptoms. The outbreak was declared Nov. 1 after evidence of transmission of COVID within the unit for a total of four patients.
On Nov. 9 the health authority reported 15 had been infected. On Saturday, the health authority reported one more patient and one more staff have tested positive.
During the outbreak, no new admissions are being allowed to the transitional care unit and only visitors designated as essential are permitted.
Island Health said the hospital remains safe and people should continue to seek emergency care if they require it.
There are five people infected— three residents and two staff — as part of an outbreak at Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence long-term care home in Nanaimo.
The outbreak is limited to the Hummingbird Unit and was declared Oct. 31.
Chartwell Malaspina Care Centre is owned and operated by Chartwell Retirement Residences.
ceharnett@timescolonist.com
