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Eight more COVID-19 cases at Nanaimo hospital, bringing total to 15

Thirteen patients and two staff members have tested positive.
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A COVID outbreak on a unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital has grown to include 13 patients and two staff members. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, NIAID-RML

Island Health has detected another eight cases of COVID-19 in an outbreak on a unit at Nanaimo Regional General ­ Hospital, bringing the total number infected to 15 — including 13 patients and two staff members.

The outbreak remains limited to what’s called the transitional care unit.

The first patient tested ­positive on Oct. 31 and the outbreak was declared Nov. 1 after evidence of transmission within the unit.

During the outbreak, no new admissions are being allowed to the transitional care unit and only visitors designated as essential are permitted.

Island Health said the hospital remains safe and people should continue to seek emergency care if they require it.

Meanwhile, an outbreak at ­Chartwell Malaspina Care ­Residence long-term care home in Nanaimo has also grown.

Island Health reported Tuesday there is one additional resident case for a total of five infected — three residents and two staff.

The outbreak, which continues to be limited to the Hummingbird Unit, was declared Oct. 31 after two staff members and one resident tested positive.

Chartwell Malasina Care Centre is owned and operated by Chartwell Retirement Residences.

ceharnett@timescolonist.com