Interior Health is working closely with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, the City of Penticton and the BC Wildfire Service to support people affected by the Mount Christie wildfire.
We are proactively identifying any patients and clients who could be impacted by the evacuation order to provide the necessary health care support they may need.
This includes supporting anyone who may be in isolation due to COVID-19. We are making separate arrangements to ensure the public is not exposed to any confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.
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.
As a precautionary measure, Interior Health is preparing contingency plans in the event an IH facility requires evacuation. This could impact some services and IH will ensure all patients, families and staff are safely relocated if the evacuation area increases.
The Evacuation Centre, located at 199 Ellis St. Penticton, has COVID-19 screening measures in place to ensure the safety of evacuees and community members. Our staff will support the screening in partnership with Search & Rescue and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. This includes screening upon entry and masking for everyone.