An outbreak in the Internal Medicine Unit at UHNBC in Prince George has now been upgraded.
Yesterday (Dec. 30), Northern Health declared a 'precautionary' outbreak involving the Internal Medicine Unit (IMU) after two patients and four staff tested positive for the virus.
Today (Dec. 31), seven more infections have been reported by the authority, including four patients and three staff members.
The total is now 13 since the outbreak's declaration, broken down among six patients and seven staff.
The authority said there was no evidence of ongoing transmission of COVID within the hospital but enhanced outbreak measures were in place.
Since the original announcement yesterday, involving two patients and four sfaff, the recorded total is now 13 cases #bcpoli #bced #cocidBC #cityofpg #covid19 #covid19bc @PGMatters
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) December 31, 2020
"Northern Health Public Health is closely monitoring for additional cases, and the facility continues to take steps to protect the health of staff and those they care for, with enhanced outbreak precautions," a statement issued today (Dec. 31) reads.
The change in the outbreak status means the timeline for declaring an outbreak will be extended. Measures will stay in place until there have been no forther exposure concerns for 28 days.
As of this publication, Northern Health has recorded 1,974 COVID-19 cases since March, including 84 from Wednesday's update.
This includes 582 active cases, 16 people admitted into critical care among 47 total hospitalizations, 26 deaths and 1,357 recoveries.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is scheduled to provide a COVID-19 update for B.C. at 3 p.m. today.
