Island Health has declared the COVID-19 outbreaks over on the Transitional Care Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and at Chartwell Malaspina Care Centre long-term care home in Nanaimo.
With the implementation of comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19, there are no longer any active cases related to these outbreaks.
Transitional Care Unit at NRGH:
Island Health declared the outbreak on the unit on November 1 after evidence of COVID-19 transmission. In total, 14 patient cases, three staff cases and three patient deaths were attributed to this outbreak. Island Health extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and care staff of those who passed away.
Staff and medical staff at NRGH demonstrated resilience and professionalism during challenging circumstances and continued to deliver high quality, compassionate care to patients.
Extensive cleaning and standard end-of-outbreak procedures are underway and the unit will now return to normal operations.
Chartwell Malaspina Care Centre:
Island Health declared the outbreak only on the Hummingbird Unit on October 31, after two staff members and one resident tested positive for COVID-19. In total, two staff members and three residents tested positive related to the outbreak. The outbreak remained limited to the Hummingbird Unit.
Chartwell Malaspina Care Centre is owned and operated by Chartwell Retirement Residences. The team at Chartwell is to be commended for their diligent work and continuing to deliver outstanding care throughout the outbreak. Upon declaring the outbreak, Island Health took immediate action to support Chartwell in its response to protect the health of all residents and staff.
With the outbreak now declared over, the following will occur at Chartwell:
- Extensive cleaning, as part of standard end-of-outbreak protocols;
- Social visits will resume on the Hummingbird Unit on November 24;
- Admissions and transfers to the Hummingbird Unit will resume on November 24;
- Resident movement throughout the Hummingbird Unit will resume;
- Diligent infection prevention measures and appropriate use of personal protective equipment will continue throughout the site.
Island Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long-term care, acute care, assisted living, and licensed facilities.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit: www.islandhealth.ca/covid19.