Interior Health has said it is preparing for the potential need to relocate some care home residents and community patients in response to the White Rock Lake wildfire.
The health authority said the planning is being worked on “as a precaution” and stressed that no relocations have yet been ordered.
Some ICU patients have already been “proactively relocated,” however.
The preparations concern patients and residents in the Vernon and Armstrong areas.
“The Vernon Jubilee Hospital remains open,” IH explained.
“However, ICU and patients with complex needs are being proactively relocated to ensure continuity of care. Families of all evacuated patients are being notified directly.”
IH said that despite the expectation of around 48 hours of “favourable” weather, the region remains at risk from wildfires.
“Wildfire planning includes supporting anyone who may be in isolation due to COVID-19,” the authority explained.
“Interior Health will ensure separate arrangements are made for anyone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 to protect the public from potential exposure.”
Those requiring crisis support are encouraged to call the BC Crisis Line at 310-6789.
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