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Interior Health investigates cluster of COVID-19 cases in Salmo

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
November 11th, 2020

Interior Health said Tuesday staff is investigating a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the greater Salmo area after it was confirmed by the village that nine (9) cases have been confirmed.

“The investigation is ongoing, so we are unable to provide a specific number at this time,” Interior Health said in an emailed statement.

“Identified active cases are self-isolating and public health is following up with any close contacts to ensure they are receiving appropriate guidance and follow-up.”

The influx of cases was first reported Friday (November 6, 2020) after Salmo Community Services said a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

Salmo Community Services said the employee’s last day of work was October 29, 2020.

Then, Monday, Village of Salmo said Monday, there were nine confirmed cases in the village.

“Currently, we urge everyone to remain calm and self-isolate,” Salmo Mayor Diana Lockwood said in a statement on the Village website.

“Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask if you must go out and practice physical distancing.”

Lockwood said in the interests of the safety of staff and residents, as a precaution, the Salmo Village office will remain closed to appointments for the next two weeks, at which time the situation will be re-assessed.

Village staff remain healthy and are still working and are available by telephone at the office (250) 357-9433 or via email at info@salmo.ca.

Interior Health said the current case report in Salmo is an important reminder that COVID-19 is circulating in many areas of Interior Health, not just our larger urban centres.

Everyone in the Salmo area and all communities should remain vigilant in following COVID-19 precautions:

  • keep to your household bubbles – your safe six – and avoid social gatherings.
  • stay home when you are sick and get tested if you have any symptoms consistent with COVID (see below)
  • practice physical distancing and use a mask if you cannot.
  • wash your hands often.

Tuesday, BC recorded another 525 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 19,239 cases in British Columbia.

In the daily media briefing, BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said there are 5,133 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.

Currently, 142 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 46 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

Interior Health reported 27 additional COVID-19 cases overnight, bringing the total in IH since the start of the pandemic to 925. There are 146 cases are active and on isolation with one person in hospital.

On the eve of Remembrance Day, Dr. Silvina Mema, medical health officer said Interior Health Health honours all veterans, active and retired service personnel and their families in Remembrance Day.

“However, we ask everyone to commemorate virtually this year,” Dr. Mema said.

“As cases of COVID-19 increase throughout the province and region, please do not proceed with social events planned after your Nov. 11 commemorations tomorrow. 

“Small outdoor ceremonies with limited participation that follow the provincial health officer requirements have been permitted in some cases, however in general we urge everyone to please stay home, stay safe, and protect our vulnerable seniors, veterans and service personnel.”

Testing by appointment only is available locally at the Salmo Wellness Centre and at the testing centre in Trail.

Testing is not recommended for individuals who do not have symptoms.

Booking a test:

Online:

The publick can book an appointment online through the COVID-19 Test Booking Form: https://interiorhealthcovid.secureform.ca/index.php

By phone:

Call the COVID-19 Test Booking Line at 1-877-740-7747 for assistance with booking your test.

Testing is available for people with cold, influenza, or COVID-19-like symptoms, including:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Loss of sense of taste or smell
  • body aches (muscles and joints aching)
  • diarrhea
  • headache

Other milder symptoms may include: runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting and red eyes.

Categories: GeneralHealth

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