COVID outbreak declared on Kelowna General Hospital unit

Interior Health has declared COVID-19 outbreak on unit 4B at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).

Four patients and one staff member have tested positive for COVID-19.

An investigation is ongoing and patients with COVID-19 from 4B are being relocated to the COVID unit.

There is no evidence of transmission to other areas of the hospital at this time.

Outbreak control measures are in place and a team of infection control and communicable disease specialists, along with KGH clinical staff and leaders, are meeting daily to contain the outbreak.

The hospital remains safe to attend for appointments and emergency care.

“Please continue with any scheduled procedures. Self-isolation or COVID-19 testing is not required after visiting the hospital,” a news release from Interior Health stated.

Meantime, Interior Health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak over at the Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) in Kamloops.

Two units were included in the outbreak. An outbreak on unit 6 South was declared over earlier this month and the outbreak on 6 North was declared over today.

“We are deeply saddened that four people linked to this COVID-19 outbreak succumbed to their illness,” said Susan Brown, IH president and CEO. “I would like to send our condolences to the loved ones and caregivers of those who passed away, and our sincerest appreciation for the efforts made by the entire hospital community who worked tirelessly to contain the outbreak.”

In total, 69 staff, 36 patients and four deaths were connected to the outbreak, which was first declared on Jan. 22.