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Major hospital serving the Tri-Cities declares COVID-19 outbreak

At this time, the outbreak is limited to one unit at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster and the emergency department remains open
Stefan Labbé
As one of three major regional hospitals in Fraser Health, Royal Columbian Hospital also serves such
As one of three major regional hospitals in Fraser Health, Royal Columbian Hospital also serves such nearby communities as Coquitlam and Burnaby.FILE/VIA

A major hospital serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding area has declared a COVID-19 outbreak after a staff member tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

At this time, the outbreak is limited to one unit at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster. The unit is now closed to admissions. 

Fraser Health has implemented enhanced cleaning and started its contact tracing investigation. The emergency department, however, remains open and the rest of the hospital has not been affected.

“Fraser Health has notified all patients on the affected unit about the outbreak, and in addition, have informed the families of patients who are unable to share this information,” wrote a spokesperson for the health authority in a press release Thursday evening.