Interior Health creating plans in case Penticton hospital has to be evacuated

Interior Health is creating contingency plans in the event that Penticton's hospital will have to be evacuated.

IH is working with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, the City of Penticton and the B.C. Wildfire Service to support people affected by the Christie Mountain wildfire and is making special arrangements for those who may be in isolation due to COVID-19, according to a news release.

"Everyone who needs to stay isolated will be contacted to develop a safe isolation plan. Precautions are in place to support COVID-positive patients and ensure appropriate accommodations are arranged," according to the release.

As a precaution, Interior Health is also preparing contingency plans in the event that Penticton Regional Hospital would require an evacuation. IH wants to ensure all patients, families and staff are safely relocated if the evacuation area increases. The hospital is not currently under an evacuation alert, falling just outside of the alert's boundaries.

READ MORE: Christie Mountain wildfire grows to 1,400 hectares

COVID-19 screening is in place at the Evacuation Centre, located at 199 Ellis St. in Penticton. Masks are required.

For wildfire information, visit IH's website and learn about wildfire health impacts.

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