The latest COVID-19 outbreak at a northern B.C. plant appears to be slightly on the mend.
According to Northern Health, the number of active cases is down to nine at the LNG Canada Project site in Kitimat, a decrease of four infections since the authority's previous report on Dec. 17.
These cases are among Diversified Transportation workers for the $40-billion project, and unrelated to the initial outbreak among JGC Fluor employees at the work camp.
One new positive test has been found by health officials, bringing the updated total to 16 since the outbreak was declared.
Northern Health says it's instructed everyone that's been identified as cases and/or close contacts to self-isolate, to which seven people are self-isolating at the project site and the other two have returned to their home communities.
The authority adds no new COVID-19 cases with the first outbreak at the LNG site have been reported with the last one detected on Dec. 2.
As of this publication (Dec. 22), there have been 1,599 infections found in northern B.C. since the pandemic reached the region in March.
This includes 15 deaths, per BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), 487 active cases, 20 people admitted into critical care among 43 total hospitalizations, and 1,097 recoveries.
Earlier today, Northern Health announced four deaths at Prince George's Jubilee Lodge, all residents, with 45 cases since an outbreak was declared on Dec. 12.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is scheduled to provide a written update on COVID-19 in B.C. after 3 p.m. today.
