Northern Health declared a precautionary COVID-19 outbreak at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. on Wednesday.
Enhanced COVID-19 precautions have been put in place at the hospital's internal medicine unit after two patients and four staff members tested positive for the disease.
"Enhanced outbreak control measures are in place at UHNBC, and at this time, there is no evidence of ongoing transmission of COVID-19 within UHNBC," a statement issued by Northern Health said. "(Northern Health) care facilities have implemented very clear policies and procedures for COVID-19 infection prevention and control, to limit the risk of transmission to patients, staff and physicians at UHNBC."
Northern Health will be monitoring for additional cases, enhancing health screening for staff and patients, and putting in place additional cleaning an infection-control measures.
It's the second time an outbreak has been declared in a section of the hospital. On Dec. 3, Northern Health declared a managed outbreak at the hospital's family medicine unit after a single lab-confirmed case.
On Dec. 12, an ongoing outbreak was declared at Jubilee Lodge – a long-term care facility attached to the hospital. That outbreak had infected 38 residents and seven staff as of Dec. 22, and had claimed four lives.
On Wednesday, Northern Health also reported an exposure event at Cedars Christian School. The exposure took place Dec. 14-16.
