Interior Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in a unit at Royal Inland Hospital.
The outbreak applies to unit 6 South, a surgical unit. Infected patients from this unit have been moved to the hospital's COVID unit.
As of Friday morning, Interior Health says there are six patients and two staff who have tested positive.
Patients admitted after surgery will receive care on different floor, the health authority says.
Interior Health says the hospital remains safe to attend for appointments or emergencies, and self-isolation is not required after visiting.
"Our staff and physicians have worked hard to keep COVID-19 out of the hospital, which was no simple feat considering the number of communities served by RIH," said medical health officer Dr. Carol Fenton. "Now we will work together to quickly contain this outbreak and support the staff and patients who have tested positive for COVID-19."
Despite the fact that 6 South is a surgical unit, surgeries at the hospital will continue.
Infection control and communicable disease specialists are working with RIH clinical staff and administrators to prevent further transmission.
