There's some good news in Prince George in the battle against COVID-19.
Today (Dec. 16), Northern Health has announced the precautionary outbreaks at University Hospital of Northern BC's (UHNBC) Family Medicine Unit and the Gateway Lodge are now over.
The precautionary outbreak at the hospital in Prince George was issued on Dec. 3, and officials say there has been no evidence since of ongoing spread from lab-confirmed cases.
"Northern Health continues to take steps to protect the health of staff and those they care for, with clear policies and procedures in place for COVID-19 infection prevention and control, and reducing the risk of transmission to patients, staff and physicians," the authority said in a news release this afternoon.
A second precautionary outbreak alert was issued for Prince George's Gateway Lodge on Dec. 10, the same day it's initial declaration in the upper west wing of the second floor was taken off.
A second COVID-19 case was found after a staff member tested positive for the virus involving the Special Care Unit in the east wing.
"Northern Health thanks Gateway Lodge families and residents for their patience, cooperation and support in recent weeks, and staff for their ongoing commitment to providing excellent care," the release today added.
As of publication (1:45 p.m., Dec. 16) Northern Health has a total of 1,368 recorded cases. There have been 15 deaths total, three of which were revealed yesterday.
As a result of today's announcements, only one outbreak remains in Prince George after one was declared for Jubilee Lodge on Monday (Dec. 14).
A staff member and two residents tested positive for COVID-19 and public health officials are continuing to test more people at the facility to identify more potential infections.
