COVID-19 outbreak declared at Surrey Memorial Hospital

Fraser Health has confirmed an outbreak of COVID-19 in the nephrology unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

The health authority said on its website the hospital declared the outbreak onTuesday.Fraser Health's interim chief medical health officer saida patient tested positive for the virus on Tuesday.

Dr. Elizabeth Brodkin saidthe nephrology unit has fewer than a dozen patients, and staff are being monitored and screened. She saidthe unit is closed to new patients and it is not expecting visitors.

She saidauthorities believe the patient was infected at the nephrology unit. Nephrologyis aspecialized area of internal medicine focused on the kidneys.

In a written statement Tuesday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix said 31people werein hospital, but did not say if any of those cases were at Surrey Memorial.

They said outbreaks continue at eight long-term care or assisted living facilities, and two acute-care facilities have outbreaks as well.

Fraser Health region outbreaks

• Derby Manor
• George Derby Centre
• New Vista Care Society
• Queen's Park Care Centre
• Czorny Alzheimer Centre
• MSA Manor
• Bear Creek Villa
• Normanna Rest Home
• Surrey Memorial Hospital

There are currently1,124 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, health officials said.Public health is monitoring an additional 2,761 people who have been exposed to the coronavirus.