Interior Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the Royal Inland Hospital Patient Care Tower construction site in Kamloops.

As it stands, there are seven cases linked to this outbreak, and Interior Health says it is investigating any connection between cases in other jurisdictions.

In a statement, the health authority says there is no evidence that any hospital staff or patients were exposed to this outbreak at this time.

“This outbreak is limited to the [patient care tower] construction site – hospital operations are not impacted,” it said. “It is important that anyone requiring medical care feels confident in coming to RIH.”

This outbreak declaration comes three days after a group of workers at the construction site tested positive for the virus.  At that time, IH says it was able to assure the Kamloops community that the exposure was limited to crew [which] did not mingle with other people on site.

“Contact tracing on confirmed cases is ongoing. All cases and direct contacts are self-isolating,” added the statement. “IH is working closely with EllisDon, the primary contractor, to minimize the risk of additional exposures.”

As it stands, there has been no work stoppage ordered after an environmental health inspection of the site.

“IH’s medical health officer has determined that appropriate safety protocols are in place and the risk of any further exposures at the worksite is low,” the statement said.

The outbreak is not expected to delay the $417-million project at this time, per the health authority, though the situation will be monitored by both Interior Health and EllisDon.

More to come