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By Dylana Kneeshaw

COVID-19 OUTBREAK

COVID-19 outbreak at Royal Inland Hospital grows to 76 cases

Jan 30, 2021 | 1:01 PM

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health says the outbreak at Royal Inland Hospital has grown by another 5 cases as of Saturday (Jan. 30).

As of this morning the health authority says 27 patients and 49 staff have tested positive for COVID-19. There are now 76 people affected with 74 cases still considered active.

No new deaths have been linked to the outbreak, and the death roll remains at one patient.

In an emailed statement, Interior Health (IH) says it has also expanded the outbreak to include unit 6 North after four positive cases were identified in that section. This is on top of the existing outbreak status of unit 6 South where the outbreak originated. As of Saturday IH says there is no indication the virus has spread to other areas of the hospital.

All staff members who have tested positive are isolating at home and none are currently hospitalized. While other staff members who may have worked in the affected units are being tested for COVID-19.

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The health authority also says staffing levels are being monitored daily and there are plans in place to utilize employees from other regions if needed.

The public is reminded that the hospital is still safe to attend for emergencies or appointments, and self-isolation is not required after visiting RIH.

GEMSTONE UPDATE:

Meantime, Interior Health says only five cases associated to the COVID-19 outbreak at Gemstone Care Centre remain active. The case-count at the facility remains stable, with 23 cases as of Saturday (Jan. 30). 16 residents, and seven staff members have tested positive, and two deaths are connected to this outbreak.