Toronto Hospital Issues Reminder To Stay Vigilant After Outbreak Includes Vaccinated People

The University Health Network (UHN) is reminding residents to stay vigilant after reporting a recent outbreak at Toronto Western Hospital.

In an email sent to Narcity, UHN confirmed that a recent outbreak at its hospital is "likely" due to the Delta variant.

Those who have tested positive include residents who have received both one and two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. However, UHN states that the cases have been mild.

The outbreak was declared in the hospital's 6th-floor area on June 17 and has reportedly infected four patients and three staff members, according to CP24.

Now, UHN is reminding residents about the importance of continuing to follow public health measures.

"It has never been more important – even when vaccinated – to continue to follow hospital infection prevention and control and public health measures," read the statement from UHN.

"It is discouraging that the Delta variant can infect those already vaccinated but critical that we continue with our vaccination efforts so that we can avoid hospitalizations from COVID-19 infections."

While the Delta variant is concerning to officials, the government of Canada says vaccines are still the most effective tool for reducing the severity and spread of infections.

"We know that vaccination, in combination with public health and individual measures, are working to reduce [the] spread of COVID-19," reads a statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada issued on June 19, 2021.

* This article has been updated.