IH says safe to come to Kelowna General Hospital
By Nelson Daily Staff
Interior Health is reporting Friday that as part of the ongoing investigations, six cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed among employees at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).
In a media release, IH’s investigation indicates these cases are connected to the cluster of cases in the community from early July.
Interior Health said at this time there are no impacts on our services at KGH and we have no indication that any patients have been exposed to the disease.
Interior Health added that as per IH protocols and Ministry of Health recommendations, staff experiencing symptoms must stay home from work and IH is confident that the individuals impacted by this current situation are following this direction.
It is important that anyone requiring medical care at the hospital feels confident in coming to KGH.
Don’t let COVID-19 steal our summer
Interior Health said as the public continues to see an increase in cases related to social events and businesses in downtown Kelowna, the health team is asking everyone to work together as a community to stop the transmission of COVID-19.
‘Don’t let it steal your summer,” the IH media release said.
“The cases that have been identified recently are generally in a younger demographic of individuals in their 20s and 30s. However, there is risk that if this continues, it may spread to people who are more vulnerable, including those who are older or who have serious health conditions.”
Interior Health said the public must follow the directions set out by the Provincial Health Officer as people continue to enjoy our summer in the region.
At the Friday press briefing BC public health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry appealed to young people to use their social media skills to help share the message about practising the safety measures that will protect us all, particularly older adults and people with chronic health conditions.
It is everyone’s priority should be to bend the curve in Kelowna.
Be Safe:
- Stay home and get tested if you are sick.
- Maintain physical distancing of greater than two metres.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear a mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Have Safe Gatherings:
- Fewer faces in bigger spaces. Limit your gatherings to small groups and hold them outside.
- Keep gatherings to people you know and keep track of who attends, so we can contact them if someone gets infected. If you host a gathering, assign a designated person to record the names and contact information of those that attend.
- Limiting gathering size in private residences to six people.
Anyone with family or friends at risk of severe disease, you should be very careful about attending social gatherings.
