A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at unit 5A in the Heart Centre at St. Paul’s Hospital after patients tested positive for COVID-19, Vancouver Coastal Health announced on Tuesday.

The unit is closed to new admissions and transfers at this time. All visitation has been suspended until the outbreak measures have been lifted; the exception being for compassionate visits at the end of life.

St. Paul’s Hospital remains open and is prepared to safely receive and care for all individuals who require urgent and emergent care. At this time, there is no impact to other areas of St. Paul’s Hospital. Do not delay in seeking care as this could exacerbate your condition, said VCH.

VCH has immediately implemented strict infection prevention and control protocols to prevent further transmission of COVID-19.

It is in the process of notifying patients on the affected unit, as well as their families.