Island Health declares new COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care homes; VGH outbreak declared over

Island Health has declared two new COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care homes. The outbreak at Victoria General Hospital is now over.

New outbreaks:
Saanich Peninsula Hospital long-term care
Two staff members and three residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
The outbreak declaration is limited to the extended care units and Saanich Peninsula Hospital is not affected.

Saanich Peninsula Hospital long-term care is owned and operated by Island Health.

Oyster Harbour long-term care home in Ladysmith
Two resident cases and one staff case have been attributed to this outbreak. The outbreak declaration is limited to the Sea Haven unit at this time.

Oyster Harbour is owned and operated by Park Place Seniors Living.

In general, the following outbreak response protocols have been implemented at the sites:

  • No admissions or transfers to affected units;
  • Essential visits can continue in outbreak units and sites;
  • Staff movement will be limited wherever possible;
  • No congregate dining or group activities for residents of affected units;
  • Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures will continue;
  • Residents, families and staff are being notified;
  • Enhanced screening of all staff and residents for symptoms;
  • COVID-19 testing as determined by the Medical Health Officer and Infection Prevention and Control.

During this time, Island Health will support the sites to take any further actions required and answer questions from staff, residents and family members.

Island Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long-term care, acute care, assisted living and licensed care facilities. 

Victoria General Hospital

The outbreak in two rooms on the general medicine unit on 4B at VGH has been declared over. The outbreak was initially declared on December 31. In total, two patient cases were attributed to this outbreak.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit: www.islandhealth.ca/covid19