PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. -- A spokesperson for Northern Health says one patient who tested positive for COVID-19 in association with the outbreak at Wrinch Memorial Hospital in Hazelton has died.
The outbreak was initially declared on September 28th, when four patients had tested positive for the virus.
As of today, a total of eight patients and two staff members have now contracted the virus.
However, Northern Health Communications Officer Eryn Collins says the majority of those cases are now considered recovered and that a new case has not been detected in the outbreak for more than a week.
She says health officials consider the situation to be stable, but the outbreak declaration is still in place and won't be lifted until health officials are confident there’s no further transmission of the virus.
"“We do very much appreciate the patience of our of our patients and our residents and their families, as well as our staff, who are providing excellent care in some very challenging circumstances that they're not alone in across the region, but they do deserve some recognition and compassion," said Collins.
Enhanced outbreak control measures such as an increased focus on cleaning, enhanced symptom monitoring, and restricting visits to essential visitors only remain in effect.
