By James Peters

COVID-19

Royal Inland Hospital COVID-19 outbreak grows to 48 cases, one death

Jan 25, 2021 | 12:08 PM

KAMLOOPS — The COVID-19 outbreak at Royal Inland Hospital has swelled over the weekend.

According to Interior Health (IH), the outbreak grew by 40 cases over the weekend and as of Monday morning (Jan. 25), sits at 48. There are 20 patients and 28 staff members who have tested positive for the virus.

IH says one person, an elderly patient, has died of COVID-19.

Affected patients are isolated in either the hospital’s COVID-19 ward or on 6 South, where the outbreak originated. Some patients were able to be discharged and are isolating at home.

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Affected staff are isolating at their homes.

IH says the outbreak “has not yet spread” outside of 6 South.

The public is being encouraged to attend the hospital if needed. IH says it is still safe for appointments and emergency care.

Six South is a surgical ward, and IH says surgeries are continuing with patients being cared for on another ward of the hospital.

“I understand the public will be anxious about the news of this outbreak at their hospital,” says Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton in the release. “It is important, however, that people remain calm and know that a highly skilled team is working to quickly contain this outbreak. Please help us support staff and patients by following all public health precautions as you go about your daily activities.”