(Image Credit: Interior Health Authority)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

COVID-19 EXPOSURE

IHA says exposure risk to general public is low, after Okanagan Correctional Centre inmate tests positive for COVID-19

Apr 4, 2020 | 10:21 AM

OLIVER, B.C — Interior Health says the exposure risk to the general public is low, after an inmate at the Okanagan Correctional Centre tested positive for COVID-19.

In a release from the health authority (Apr. 3), IHA says it is actively following up with any people who had contact with the inmate at the Oliver facility.

The patient is receiving appropriate care with necessary infection control precautions in place, according to Interior Health. Those in custody at the centre who might have been exposed are being monitored and there are currently no signs of illness beyond the initial patient.

IHA adds that an investigation into potential contacts or sources for the virus is underway.

Okanagan Correctional Centre meanwhile, states that all visits to the institution have been restricted since Mar. 12, and any new inmates who entered the facility were isolated for 14 days.

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Anyone who may have had contact with the inmate is being contacted directly to ensure they are not showing symptoms and that they have the resources to self-isolate for 14 days since the last contact time.

Interior Health notes that people should still be assuming COVID-19 is in their community already, and take the appropriate precautions to remain healthy and to keep others healthy. These measures include staying home aside from essential trips, and self isolating if any symptoms of the virus appear.