Interior Health is reporting a COVID-19 cluster of cases in the Revelstoke area, with 22 cases identified over the past two weeks.
It says there were 12 cases reported on Tuesday this week in the city which as of the end of October had only reported three cases of COVID-19, according to the latest available data from the BC CDC.
“Social gatherings appear to be responsible for some of these transmissions,” says a statement from the Health Authority. “This highlights the importance, especially at this time, of limiting your social activities and following COVID-19 protocols when indoors. This includes maintaining physical distancing and masking when unable to stay apart.”
“This cluster illustrates that COVID-19 is in smaller rural communities as well as larger urban centres.”
People who have tested positive are self-isolating and Interior Health says public health teams are following up with all close contacts to offer guidance and support, noting it will continue to monitor this cluster for additional cases.
“We don’t associate COVID-19 up to now with Revelstoke, but you’re seeing that. And what that tells us is that it’s everywhere, and in every community, and that’s why some of the orders that were regional orders a couple weeks ago are provincial orders,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said in a Global BC Town Hall yesterday evening.
Yesterday, Interior Health reported 70 new COVID-19 cases taking the total to 1,426 cases, with 336 of those cases active with five people in hospital.
“No exposures have been identified in Revelstoke school settings to this point. Students can continue to go to school. If there is a case, school administration will be alerted and appropriate steps taken to communicate with parents and ensure the safety of our school population,” added the IHA statement.
“IH will report school cases on our website.”
Revelstoke Councillor Cody Younker on twitter said a concern that he’s hearing is how Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which is due to open tomorrow, will handle opening day lineups.
“As we get ready to kick off the season, I’d like to remind everyone that the success of this year will largely depend on starting off on the right track,” Resort Vice President of Operations Peter Nielsen said in a statement online, asking people to be patient, kind, and respectful of others.
Health officials are reminding people to avoid all non-essential travel in British Columbia until at least Dec. 7, though those requirements could be extended, if needed.
1 concern I’m hearing is how @revelstokemtn will deal with opening day lineups. The Mayor told us he has spoken with the Ceo who said they will be ensuring social distancing. Here are photos from previous opening days off google. (Credit to resort and @RevelstokeRevue) #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/I65CNJqlhw
— Cody Younker (@CodyYounker) November 26, 2020
There it is, just now on @GlobalBC @adriandix confirmed what we have been hearing in Revelstoke the past week. He confirmed we now have 22 cases of #COVID19BC in #revelstoke.
— Cody Younker (@CodyYounker) November 26, 2020