COVID-19 outbreak at Valley Regional Hospital sees 3 patients test positive

Three patients at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, N.S., have tested positive for COVID-19.

Two of the three cases are asymptomatic, while the third person is in intensive care.

"This is a reminder that COVID is still very real in Nova Scotia," said Alyson Lamb, the executive director of Nova Scotia Health's western zone.

The three patients were in a non-COVID unit of the hospital when they tested positive.

They have since been isolated from other patients, with the third person being transferred to intensive care, said Lamb.

As a precaution, other patients and staff identified as close contacts are being tested. To date, around 50 people have been tested, said Lamb.

She said patients are tested for COVID-19 as part of the process for being admitted. It's unclear how the first case of COVID-19 was initially transmitted. That patient tested positive Friday, but was admitted to the hospital earlier in the week for non-COVID reasons, said Lamb.

She said the COVID-19 cases are not having an impact on the hospital's operations.

Affected unit closed to new admissions, visitors

The unit where the patients initially tested positive has been closed to admissions and visitors, except in extenuating circumstances for compassionate reasons for family members, said Lamb.

Nova Scotia reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday. The active case count is 187.

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