Skip to content
Join our Newsletter
  1. Home
  2. Local News

Second outbreak declared at LNG Canada Project Site in Kitimat

Outbreak unrelated to initial declaration in November
Jess Balzer
Jess Balzer
LNG Canada Project Site
The LNG Canada Project Site in Kitimat, B.C. (via Twitter/LNG Canada Project)

There's been a second COVID-19 outbreak at the LNG Canada Project Site in Kitimat after a first is winding down. 

Northern Health says new cases of the virus have been discovered among staff of Diversified Transportation who are working on site. 

The authority says 15 employees have tested positive from the outbreak, with 13 cases remaining active. 

There are roughly 40 employees of Diversified Transportation at the location and all have undergone testing. 

Those with positive test results and close contacts have been told to self-isolate. 

Northern Health also says this outbreak is not connected to the one that was declared on Nov. 19. There have been no new cases relating to that outbreak since Dec. 2. 

"Northern Health, LNG Canada, and JGC Fluor (the prime contractor on the project) have been working together on planning, preparing and implementing COVID-19 measures since early spring," a statement from Northern Health reads.

"Along with Diversified Transportation, close collaboration continues on ensuring enhanced control measures are followed to prevent transmission of illness among the Diversified workforce, and to the overall LNGC project site and neighbouring communities.

"Northern Health is also working with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) to ensure communication with the health authorities or jurisdictions of any affected employees’ home communities."

As of publication (Dec. 17, 11 a.m.), there are 385 active cases in the north with 44 in hospital and 19 of those in ICU. There have been 15 deaths to date since the pandemic struck the area in March.

The recorded total for the area is 1,415 cases.

The outbreak declaration will be in place for at least 28 days.