Outbreak declared at St. Paul's

A COVID-19 outbreak was declared at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver on Tuesday, as active cases provincewide reached a milestone of 1,465.

According to the Ministry of Health, there were three confirmed cases among people working on the eighth floor of the Downtown Vancouver hospital. The floor will remain open, with all staff to be tested, and no visitors.

There are now 17 confirmed cases linked to Point Grey Hospital in Vancouver, and four deaths.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said there were 96 new cases of COVID -19 reported in B.C. between noon Monday and noon Tuesday, and no deaths. There are 1,465 active cases of the disease, of which 61 are being treated in hospital — including 22 in intensive care.

Henry said there has been a resurgence of COVID -19 in B.C., but didn't define it as a second wave. She said the pandemic would be around for a long time.

There are 3,314 people in isolation under active public-health monitoring after being potentially exposed to the disease. B.C. has reported 8,304 cases since late January and 227 people have died.

There are now 16 active outbreaks in health care settings — 12 in long-term care and four in acute-care facilities — including the St. Paul's outbreak.

There have been no new community outbreaks, although there are many community exposure events. A community outbreak occurs when there is more than one case at a location, while an exposure is when only one sick person has been at a location. In health care settings, one case counts as an outbreak.