Community outbreak of COVID-19 confirmed on Haida Gwaii

Northern Health contact tracing has confirmed a community outbreak of 13 cases of COVID-19 on Haida Gwaii.

According to an information bulletin on July 24, all of the 13 cases are local residents and one has recovered.

The bulletin said all of the active cases are self-isolating at home and “there is no evidence at this time of wider community transmission.”

Close contacts of any confirmed cases will be informed by public health officials and supported in actions they should take, such as self-monitoring or self-isolating.

ALSO READ: Council of the Haida Nation reports case of COVID-19 on Haida Gwaii

According to Northern Health, all of the cases are epidemiologically linked.

“While the initial sources of transmission are still being investigated, it is believed that all cases are either residents who had recently travelled off-island or had exposure to other residents who had recently travelled off-island,” the bulletin said.

“Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority are working with Council of Haida Nation and municipal governments on Haida Gwaii to coordinate community responses and medical supports, which includes providing housing options for self-isolation near communities with higher levels of care.”

At the time of publication, there were no impacts on acute care services at local hospitals.

ALSO READ: B.C. finds another 27 cases of COVID-19

A public meeting with a panel from the Old Massett emergency operations centre is being planned for Monday, July 27 at 5 p.m., according to a social media post shared by Tarah Samuels, economic development officer for the Old Massett Village Council.

If you are experiencing potential COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate and contact your primary care provider or the Northern Health COVID-19 Online Clinic and Info Line at 1-844-645-7811.

Precautions to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus include: