COVID-19 outbreaks at NRGH continue to grow with over 30 patients now testing positive on two separate floors. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

positive tests

Outbreaks of COVID-19 expand to 31 cases at Nanaimo hospital

Feb 1, 2022 | 4:31 PM

NANAIMO — Two simultaneous but otherwise unrelated outbreaks of COVID-19 have expanded.

A total of 31 patients at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital have tested positive over the course of two outbreaks on separate floors announced Jan. 25 and 27 respectively.

The hospital’s fourth floor general medicine unit reports 17 patients included in the outbreak, while the fifth floor above has 14.

“The outbreak declarations remains limited to the fourth and fifth floor general medicine units and no other areas of NRGH are under outbreak declaration at this time,” a statement from Island Health to NanaimoNewsNOW read.

The health authority maintains the hospital remains a safe place to visit with all other areas of the hospital operating normally.

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This includes the emergency room with the statement confirming “people should not avoid seeking emergency care, if they need it.”

Six outbreaks have occurred at the hospital throughout the pandemic, although this is the first time multiple units are being simultaneously affected.

In all previous and current outbreaks, cases have been limited to the floor or unit patients initially tested positive.

Several other outbreaks at long term care homes remain active, according to the Island Health website.

Neighbouring Dufferin Place, along with Chartwell Malaspina, Nanaimo Seniors Village, and Woodgrove Manor all have recent positive tests.

A new outbreak at Berwick on the Lake near Long Lake was added to Island Health’s list on Monday, Jan. 31.

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