Cluster of COVID-19 cases identified at Royal Inland Hospital ward

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health (IH) has confirmed a COVID-19 outbreak on unit 6 South at Royal Inland Hospital, as CFJC Today first reported earlier Friday (Jan. 22).

In an information bulletin, IH says six patients and two staff members have tested positive for the virus as of Friday morning. Patients on the unit who have tested positive have been moved to the hospital’s COVID-19 unit.

IH says 6 South is a surgical ward, but surgeries are continuing at the hospital at this time. Those patients who are admitted after surgery will receive care elsewhere in the hospital.

RIH officials reiterate the hospital is safe for the public to attend, either for emergencies or appointments. Those with scheduled procedures do not need to self-isolate after visiting the hospital.

“Our staff and physicians have worked hard to keep COVID-19 out of the hospital, which was no simple feat considering the number of communities served by RIH,” says Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton in the bulletin. “Now we will work together to quickly contain this outbreak and support the staff and patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.”