Press release
Vancouver Coastal Health declares COVID-19 outbreak on one unit at Vancouver General 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This news release contains information that is more than six months old and may be out of date. On July 26, 2024, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer issued an order to end the public health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinded all related orders.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 has been declared on T12A, the respiratory unit, at Vancouver General Hospital after patients tested positive for COVID-19.
The unit is 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.
Vancouver General Hospital remains open and is prepared to safely receive and care for all individuals who require urgent and emergent care. At this time, there is limited impact to other areas of Vancouver General Hospital. Please do not delay in seeking care as this could exacerbate your condition. Vancouver General Hospital will continue to admit for all patient populations and this outbreak will not impact the care of patients with respiratory diseases, including transplant patients or others that require specialized care.
Vancouver Coastal Health has immediately implemented strict infection prevention and control protocols to prevent further transmission of COVID-19. These include:
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Careful monitoring and testing of patients, staff and physicians
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Enhanced cleaning and disinfection
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Closing the units to patient admissions and transfers
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Cohorting of staff to the affected areas
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Contacting tracing to identify potentially exposed patients and staff
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Implementing isolation precautions to prevent transmission
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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 unit, as well as their families.
Contact
Media Line: 604.202.2012