Press release
Vancouver Coastal Health declares COVID-19 outbreak on one unit at Richmond Hospital
B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer rescinds orders for COVID-19
This news release contains information that is more than six months old and may be out of date. On July 26, 2024, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer issued an order to end the public health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinded all related orders.
Vancouver, B.C. – A COVID-19 outbreak on the 4 North Acute Care for the Elderly unit at Richmond Hospital has been declared after staff tested positive for COVID-19.
While the outbreak is contained to the 4 North unit, the unit will remain closed to new admissions and transfers at this time. All visitation has been suspended until the outbreak measures have been lifted; the exception being for compassionate visits at the end of life.
At this time, there is no impact to other areas of Richmond Hospital. There is no evidence of risk to patients or staff elsewhere in the hospital, and no risk to patients or staff visiting Richmond Hospital, which remains open and safe for everyone.
The emergency department at Richmond Hospital also remains open and the hospital is prepared to safely receive and care for all individuals who experience health conditions that require care.
Upon declaring the outbreak, Vancouver Coastal Health immediately implemented strict infection prevention and control protocols to prevent further transmission of the virus. These include:
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Careful monitoring of patients, staff and physicians
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Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of all high-touch surfaces
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Closing unit to patient admissions and transfers
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Cohorting of staff to the affected area
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Self-monitoring or self-isolation of staff/physicians as part of Public Health contact tracing
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Suspension of visitors to the unit (with exemptions for end-of-life situations)
Vancouver Coastal Health is in the process of notifying patients on the affected units about the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as their families.
Contact
Media Line
604-202-2012
