An outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared at St. Paul's Hospital.
The outbreak is isolated to unit 5A in the downtown hospital's cardiac centre, according to a press release from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). While the release states multiple patients have tested positive, the health administration doesn't share how many.
The unit is now closed to any transfers or new admissions.
"All visitation has been suspended until the outbreak measures have been lifted; the exception being for compassionate visits at the end of life," states VCH in the release.
The rest of the hospital is continuing to accept patients who need urgent or emergency care.
"At this time, there is no impact to other areas of St. Paul’s Hospital. Please do not delay in seeking care as this could exacerbate your condition," states the VCH.
At the same time, new efforts are being taken by the hospital to prevent the spread including getting some staff to self-isolate and enhanced cleaning protocols.
