There are now 51 total cases linked to the COVID-19 outbreak at Royal Inland Hospital, and 50 of those are active.

Interior Health says the outbreak has affected 32 staff members and 19 patients but one of those patients – an elderly senior – died over the weekend.

Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton says the outbreak is still contained to surgical unit 6 South and 6 North – the hospital’s designated COVID-19 ward.

“All of the staff working in those units are trained in appropriate precautions and PPE as they have been working in that COVID unit for months,” she said. “All the other precautions are being taken throughout the hospital as well, so it is still safe to go to emergency or to an appointment, if you need to.”

Fenton says a vaccine clinic is underway in the hospital and staff in the emergency room, the Critical Care ward, and in the COVID ward are being vaccinated. She also thanked staff for ‘stepping up’ to cover shifts as well, noting staff at RIH have been stressed since the pandemic was declared.

“They have been working very hard under unprecedented conditions requiring them to wear PPE that is uncomfortable all day,” said Fenton. “They deserve and appreciate and need our community’s support right now.”

Yesterday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the outbreak at RIH is a “wake-up call” for the Kamloops area pointing to the rising COVID-19 case count in the community.

Meantime, Fenton noted the outbreak at Gemstone Care Centre in Brocklehurst remains at 23 active cases – 16 residents and seven staff – with two deaths.