Low chance of exposure to public from Okanagan Correctional Centre COVID-19 case

Interior Health is following up with any individuals who had contact with an inmate at Okanagan Correctional Centre who tested positive for COVID-19, according to the health authority in a news release.

"IH’s medical health officer is confident that the risk of exposure to the general public is low. The patient is receiving appropriate care, with necessary infection control precautions in place. Individuals in custody who may have been exposed are all being monitored; there are currently no signs of illness beyond the first patient. An investigation into any contacts or potential sources is underway," according to the IH release.

"OCC reports that all visits to the institution have been restricted since March 12 and any new inmates who entered the facility were isolated for 14 days."

Public Health is working with BC Corrections and the Provincial Health Services Authority to identify those who may have had contact with the inmate. Follow up will occur to ensure they were or are not symptomatic and that appropriate self-isolation instructions are followed, according to IH.

"In accordance with the process established by Public Health, any individuals who may have had contact with the patient are being contacted directly, to ensure they are not symptomatic and that they have the resources to self-isolate for 14 days after last contact," according to the release.

IH is reminding the public to assume that COVID-19 is in their community and take the appropriate precautions to remain healthy and to keep others healthy. These measures include staying home for all but essential trips into the community and self isolating if any symptoms of illness arise.

READ MORE: B.C. reports six more COVID-19 fatalities

The BCCDC website is the recommended resource for current COVID-19 information for British Columbians. IH also has frequently updated information on the COVID-19 page on the Interior Health website.

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