UPDATED – Interior Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak on unit 6 South – a surgical unit – at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.

As of this morning, there have been six patients and two staff members who tested positive for the virus. The health authority says patients with COVID-19 have been moved to the hospital’s COVID unit.

While admissions to 6 South are being halted, surgeries at RIH are continuing at this time. Interior Health says patients admitted after surgery will get care on a different floor of the hospital.

“Our staff and physicians have worked hard to keep COVID-19 out of the hospital, which was no simple feat considering the number of communities served by RIH,” said Medical Health Officer for Kamloops, Dr. Carol Fenton.

“Now we will work together to quickly contain this outbreak and support the staff and patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.”

Interior Health says it is safe for people to go to RIH if they need emergency care or have a previously scheduled appointment.

“A team of infection control and communicable disease specialists, along with RIH clinical staff and leaders, are meeting daily to ensure all measures are being taken to prevent transmission of the virus,” a statement from Interior Health said.

At this time, its unclear how the virus got into the hospital ward. Sources to NL News say staff are being told to get a COVID-19 test, while other Interior Health staff are being told to stay away from the hospital unless absolutely necessary.