The COVID-19 community exposure in Kelowna has hit the hospital.
Interior Health confirmed that six staff members at Kelowna General Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19 and the investigation indicates they’re connected to that recent community exposure.
However, IH wants people to know that it’s still safe to come to KGH if you need medical care at the hospital.
“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,” says a release from IH.
Any staff experiencing symptoms must stay home from work and IH says they’re confident that individuals impacted by the current situation are following those directions.
With cases related to social events and businesses in downtown Kelowna on the rise, IH is asking everyone to work together as a community to stop the transmission of COVID-19.
“The cases that have been identified recently are generally in a younger demographic of individuals in their 20s and 30s,” the IH release adds.
“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.”
Residents of all ages must continue to follow directions set out by Dr. Bonnie Henry, who just today appealed for the younger demographic to use social media to help share the proper messages about practicing safety measures with regards to COVID-19.
That includes staying home if you’re sick, maintaining physical distance, washing your hands often and wearing a mask when physical distance can’t be maintained.
People are also urged to limit gatherings to small groups and hold them outside if possible, as well as hold them to include just people you know so you can keep track of who attends in case of an outbreak.
Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that there were now 35 total cases linked to the COVID-19 community exposure in Kelowna, but that also includes some people in other BC health regions.
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