Several patients on new unit at Vancouver General Hospital test positive for COVID-19

Health officials are reporting a COVID-19 outbreak in a fourth unit of Vancouver General Hospital.

A statement from Vancouver Coastal Health says three patients have tested positive for the virus on surgical inpatient unit T-8-B of the Jim Pattison Pavilion.

Infection prevention measures are underway on unit T-8-B including closure to admissions or transfers and suspension of all but end-of-life compassionate visits.

The other three affected units are on separate floors of the pavilion, while the rest of the hospital, including the emergency room, is operating as usual.

COVID-19 outbreaks have forced closure of separate units at three other Lower Mainland hospitals since last month.

Those include Surrey Memorial, Chilliwack General and Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, but with the exception of the closed units, all other services at those hospitals are unaffected.