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Outbreak on Haida Gwaii

Six more cases of COVID-19 have been identified on Haida Gwaii

Jul 29, 2020 | 3:24 PM

PRINCE GEORGE–Six additional lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been found on Haida Gwaii.

An outbreak on the northern archipelago was announced last week, the first outbreak in the Northern Health region. In a release by Northern Health, they say that “public health staff are currently following up on a total of 20 cases; 13 are considered active, while seven individuals have recovered, at this time.”

They note that the additional cases do not represent a significant expansion of the outbreak, or the suggestion of a wider spread of COVID-19 in communities on Haida Gwaii. Some of the cases are believed to be epidemiologically linked to the original outbreak cases.

“The recently-identified Haida Gwaii cases are from exposures that took place prior to last week’s outbreak declaration. It would not be unexpected to identify additional cases in coming days, where exposure also occurred within the same COVID-19 incubation period.”–Release by Northern Health

All active cases are self-isolating at home and none have required hospital care, at this time. Northern Health along with the First Nations Health Authority continue working with the Haida Nation and municipal governments to coordinate the community response to the outbreak.

Northern Health encourages residents of Haida Gwaii to stay at home as much as possible, get tested if they develop COVID-19 symptoms, continue to physical distance, wash hands and wear a mask when physical distancing isn’t a possibility.