New COVID-19 cases in New Westminster stayed exactly the same last week after surging the previous week, according to the latest data from the BC Centre for Disease Control.
BCCDC data show New Westminster had a total of 71 new coronavirus cases between Feb. 21 and 27 – the same number as Feb.14 and 20. Both weeks were up sharply from the 46 cases from Feb. 7 to 13, and the 50 new coronavirus cases between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6, but down from the 85 new coronavirus cases between Jan. 24 and 30. By contrast, Richmond had 100 new cases from Feb. 21 to 27 despite being a community of 215,000 people compared to about 70,000 in New West.
The weekly numbers come as the worst COVID-19 outbreak in New Westminster continues.
The long-term care unit at Royal City Manor has had a coronavirus outbreak since Jan. 3, and it has reached at least 133 cases, according to the last update on Feb. 18 by the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Fraser Health has also declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Royal Columbian Hospital after evidence of transmission in a medicine unit.
At least five patients at Royal Columbian Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19 as part of this outbreak, said Fraser Health. The outbreak is limited to one unit, which is temporarily closed to admissions.
“Upon declaring the outbreak, Fraser Health immediately implemented precautions, including enhanced cleaning as well as contact tracing to protect the health of all staff, medical staff, and patients,” said a news release.
The emergency department at Royal Columbian Hospital remains open and there has been no impact to any other areas of Royal Columbian Hospital.
Fraser Health said it has notified all patients on the affected unit about the outbreak, and in addition, have informed the families of patients who are unable to share this information.
