Risk of exposure to public low after inmate tests positive for COVID-19 at OCC

A cell block in the Okanagan Correctional Centre is taking shape as construction moves ahead for a 2016 completion. (File photo)

Osoyoos Times Staff

The inmate who tested positive for COVID-19  at the Okanagan Correctional Centre north of Oliver last week is under necessary infection control precautions as the health authority calls the risk to the general public “low.”

Interior Health (IH) said in an emailed statement that the health authority is “actively following up on any individuals who had contact with an inmate at Okanagan Correctional Centre who has tested positive for COVID-19.”

“Interior Health’s Medical Health Officer (MHO) is confident that the risk of exposure to the general public is low,” Interior Health stated.

The patient is receiving care “with necessary infection control precautions in place,” IH stated.

Individuals in custody who may have been exposed are all being monitored and there are currently no signs of illness beyond the first patient.  An investigation into any contacts or potential sources is underway.

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 any individuals who may have had contact with the inmate.

“Follow ups will occur to ensure they were or are not symptomatic and that appropriate self-isolation instructions are followed if indicated,” IH stated. “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.”

Everyone should assume that COVID-19 is in their community, IH said, 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.

The BCCDC website is the recommended resource for accurate, current COVID-19 information for B.C. Interior Health also has frequently updated information on the COVID-19 page on the Interior Health website.