Interior Health reports 234 new COVID-19 cases, three deaths; BC 1,344
By Lone Sheep Publishing
Interior Health announced in Monday’s media release that three more people have died during the weekend due to COVID-19 for a total of 62 deaths in the region.
The announcement comes as BC recorded 26 new COVID-19 related deaths for a total of 1,154 in the province.
“Sadly, Interior Health lost three people over the weekend to COVID-19, including a death associated with the outbreak at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO of Interior Health.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of these individuals.”
The three deaths were reported at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, Brocklehurst Gemstone in Kamloops and the other in a community/hospital.
Monday, Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer said the province 1,344 new cases, including three epi-linked cases, for a total of 64,828 cases.
The new cases cover three reporting periods dating from January 22 — Jan. 22 to 23, 527 new cases; Jan. 23 to 24 we had 471 new cases; and in the last 24 hours we had a further 346 new cases.
During that same period, Interior Health reported 234 new COVID-19 cases.
Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops is dealing with 48 cases: 20 patients and 28 staff, with one death connected to this outbreak. — Interior Health
Interior Health updated the Royal Inland Hospital outbreak in Kamloops Monday saying there were 20 patients and 28 staff, with one death connected to this outbreak.
Interior Health said outbreak has not yet spread outside 6 South and all precautions are in place to stop further transmission.
All staff members who have tested positive are isolating at home.
“I understand the public will be anxious about the news of this outbreak at their hospital,” said Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton.
“It is important, however, that people remain calm and know that a highly skilled team is working to quickly contain this outbreak.”
Dr. Fenton said for the public to please help us support staff and patients by following all public health precautions as you go about your daily activities.
Interior Health said vaccinations of frontline staff and physicians will continue this week.
“We continue to see COVID-19 cases across all settings – from long-term care to within the community,” Brown said.
“This virus respects no boundaries however, we can slow it’s spread and reduce the risk of further tragic losses by continuing to follow all public health orders and precautions.”
Update on Interior Health outbreaks:
- Cariboo Memorial Hospital has 12 staff cases.
- Brocklehurst Gemstone long-term care in Kamloops has 23 cases: 16 residents and seven staff, with two deaths connected to this outbreak.
- Sunnybank long-term care in Oliver has 37 cases: 27 residents and 10 staff, with three deaths connected to this outbreak.
- Creekside Landing long-term care in Vernon has 35 cases: 20 residents and 15 staff, with one death connected to this outbreak.
- Noric House long-term care in Vernon has 58 cases: 35 residents and 23 staff, with five deaths connected to this outbreak.
- Heritage Square long-term care in Vernon has 68 cases: 47 residents and 21 staff, with eight deaths connected to this outbreak.
- Heritage Retirement Residence in West Kelowna has 46 cases: 41 residents and five staff, with three deaths connected to this outbreak.
