Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

COVID-19 UPDATE

Interior Health keeping a close eye on Blue Grotto COVID-19 spread and Overlander outbreak

Oct 27, 2021 | 4:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health says an ongoing outbreak at a local long term care facility and COVID-19 spread at a downtown nightclub are both still on their radar.

Following a live music show Oct. 14 at the Blue Grotto nightclub, where more than 20 cases were identified, Interior Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton says the communicable disease specialists are still gathering data.

“We’re up to 21 cases now that we are aware of. We’re still exploring multiple hypotheses for how this may have happened because it’s quite unusual. And we’re working closely with the operator. We’re helping them to reopen for this weekend with additional safety measures as our investigation continues.”

Elsewhere, Dr. Fenton says Overlander Long Term Care in Kamloops is still under outbreak status. 28 cases have been identified in association to the outbreak – 21 residents, and seven staff members. Five deaths have also been connected to the outbreak.

Two and Out

PETERS: Four dogs will die and the owners responsible will get away with it

15h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: October 3, 2024

17h ago

ONE MAN'S OPINION

COLLINS: Changes in our justice system are critical

Oct 03, 2024

However, Dr. Fenton notes that new cases haven’t popped up in recent days, and if it remains that way, the outbreak could be declared over relatively soon.

“We’re continuing to work with the facility to make sure that everyone is as safe as they possibly can be. We haven’t had any new cases in some time so hopefully that will come to a close pretty soon.”