Interior Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak on surgical unit 6 South at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH).

Seven patients have tested positive for the virus as of this morning.

“Although 6 South is a surgical unit, RIH surgeries are continuing at this time,” Interior Health says in a statement.  “Patients admitted after surgery will receive care on a different floor and 6 South is closed to admissions until further notice.”

The health authority says it is safe for people to go to if they have an appointment or if they need emergency care.

“I want to assure everyone that the hospital remains safe for scheduled procedures, appointments and emergency care, and thank our hard-working staff for continuing to keep patients and visitors safe,” said Medical Health Officer Dr. Karin Goodison, noting IH is doing whatever it can to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus within the hospital.

“Our teams will now work together to contain this outbreak, and support patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.”

This is the second COVID-19 outbreak on unit 6 South, after the first outbreak began on January 22.

Unit 6 South was declared COVID free on February 6, but the virus had spread to unit 6 North. Interior Health eventually declared RIH COVID free on February 22 but not before 105 COVID-19 cases – 69 staff and 36 patients – were reported along with four deaths.

Interior Health is asking people to continue to follow public health guidance, including hand washing and wearing a mask if you are not fully vaccinated or if you are in a place, like a health care setting, that requires it.

This outbreak comes one day before the province moves into Step Three of the BC Restart plan.