Dr. Henry on RIH outbreak: “Certainly, visitors are something we are concerned about. Particularly unvaccinated people.”

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health (IH) has declared a second active COVID-19 outbreak at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH). With vaccinated visitors and staff, the health authority is investigating how the virus got into the hospital.

Four patients have tested positive on 7 North, a medical unit treating cardiac and renal patients — while the hospital continues to battle an outbreak on 5 South.

“They were very surprising for us all. We’re working very hard to investigate where they may have come from, which involves interviewing all of the cases,” said Dr. Carol Fenton, medical health officer for Interior Health.

The 7 North outbreak declaration comes one week after IH called an outbreak on 5 South, a medical unit. As of Tuesday (Nov. 9), cases there have grown to 27 — 21 patients and six staff members. Since the outbreak was called, one person has died in this ward.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says it could be coming from the outside.

“Certainly, visitors are something we are concerned about — particularly unvaccinated people. And if that puts staff at risk, it puts other patients at risk,” she told CFJC News.

But as of Tuesday, visitors to acute care facilities must show proof of vaccination. Henry says what happens in the hospital is a reflection of the spread in the community.

“This virus is circulating in the community and can be transmitted in those indoor settings. Particularly if there are groups of people in a hospital room or a ward together,” said Henry.

Fenton says that the vaccines have been vital in easing the severity of the outbreak. She adds that the majority of the people who have tested positive in the outbreaks are vaccinated.

“It’s important to note that, I don’t think any of these people have been submitted to the ICU for reasons related to the COVID. That protection is really notable,” Dr. Fenton said.

Fenton says that she hoped the high vaccination rates in the city of Kamloops would have lead to less COVID-19 outbreaks.

“But our surrounding areas continue to have the lowest vaccination rates in the Interior and that’s definitely affecting us and we are seeing that,” she added.