A COVID-19 outbreak at a Kelowna retirement home has doubled in size.

On April 23, the health authority announced that 10 residents and one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 at the Sandalwood Retirement Resort. One person has died from the disease, according to Interior Health's press release.

Today, April 25, case numbers grew to 25, with 24 residents and one staff infected. The death toll remains at one.

"Asymptomatic testing has been underway since Thursday which has contributed to identifying these additional cases," the health authority said.

"The majority of cases are asymptomatic or mild, however, public health staff are remaining onsite to provide support and reassessment as needed."

Sandalwood Retirement Resort is an independent living residence operated by Regency Resorts.

The health authority's communicable disease specialists and a clinical operations team are monitoring the situation. Additional infection control measures have been implemented. IH is providing other resources as required to stop the transmission of the virus, according to the press release.

To protect the safety of residents, outbreak protocols are in place including a pause in all visits at this site.

COVID-19 tests can be booked online, or by calling 1-877-740-7747.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.