Just as the long weekend is kicking off, there's been some unfortunate news tonight: a B.C. regional health authority has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at a local health facility.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) announced that it has declared an outbreak in Unit 4 North at Richmond Hospital (7000 Westminster Highway), where seven patients have tested positive.

The unit provides acute care for elderly patients.

Strict infection prevention and control protocols are now in place.

The unit has been closed to new admissions and transfers, and all non-essential visits have been suspended.

VCH stated that the hospital remains open to all individuals who require urgent or emergency care.

For today's B.C. COVID-19 update, see this article.