Northern Health and Public Health have declared a COVID-19 outbreak at two workforce accommodation sites for Coastal Gas Link in northern B.C.
The outbreaks were detected at the 7 Mile Lodge in the Burns Lake Local Health Area (LHA), and Little Rock Lake Lodge in Nechako LHA. The declaration comes after evidence of COVID-19 transmission was found among Pacific Atlantic Pipeline Construction (PAPC) staff working at, and moving between, the two sites.
To date, 27 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 17 cases remain active. All of these cases are considered to be associated with this outbreak; employees are being screened, and contact tracing is continuing.
Those identified as cases and close contacts have been instructed to self-isolate, either at their current location (Lodge), in alternate accommodations, or their home communities.
Northern Health is working with the BC Centre for Disease Control to ensure communication with the health authorities or jurisdictions of affected employees’ home communities outside of BC.
NH Medical Health Officers have, in addition to declaring the outbreak, issued an order that these worksites be limited to all but essential workers, until public health approves an updated COVID-19 safety plan.
Essential staff will also support anyone who is, or needs to be, self-isolating at either workforce accommodation site.
Northern Health, the BC Centre for Disease Control, WorkSafeBC and industry say they have been working together on planning and implementing COVID-19 measures, since the spring.
The authority says this work continues, including with CGL and its prime contractors, to ensure enhanced control measures are followed to protect the health of employees, and of the communities where they live and work.
The outbreak declaration will be in place for at least 28 days.
