6 KGH employees test positive for COVID-19

Photo: Contributed

The large COVID-19 outbreak cluster linked to activities in Kelowna over a two week period has reached Kelowna General Hospital.

In a news release late Friday afternoon, Interior Health confirmed six employees of the hospital have tested positive for COVID-19, in connection with the city's growing community cluster.

Staff who are experiencing any symptoms must stay home.

"We are confident that the individuals impacted by this current situation are following this direction," the release states.

"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. It is important that anyone requiring medical care at the hospital feels confident in coming to KGH."

IH has not indicated where the individuals who tested positive worked within the hospital, or what their roles are.

"As we continue to see an increase in cases related to social events and businesses in downtown Kelowna, our 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 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."

During her Friday briefing, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the outbreak cluster linked to Kelowna has now resulted in 35 positive cases of COVID-19.

She expected that number to rise even further.

IH says it will update this current situation on Monday.