With the latest norovirus outbreak all but on the way out, Interior Health is commending the way the community handled it.

Spokesperson Susan Duncan says people in the area responded well to the outbreak.

“They did stay away and postpone their visits when they could,” he said. “And I think people were being really careful with their hand washing and hand hygiene, and maybe that’s a lesson for all of us to take away, whether there’s an outbreak on or not.”

“Frequent hand washing prevents the spread of a lot of illness.”

At its peak, the outbreak affected 61 people at four wards at Royal Inland Hospital, as well as the Hillside Psychiatric Centre.

Two senior’s homes were also later affected by the virus.

Moving forward, Duncan also says the outbreak is a good reminder for people to regularly clean hard surfaces at home.

“This virus can live on hard surfaces for a long time, weeks even, and on contaminated fabric for up to 12 days,” she noted.

“So, it’s not an easy one to get rid of.”

Duncan also adds if you are or have recently been sick, to not cook food for anyone.

The outbreak at the hospital could be lifted by Wednesday.