News

Northern Health, the First Nations Health Authority, Indigenous communities, and the District of Fort St. James, continue to closely monitor and respond to a surge of COVID-19 cases in Fort St. James and nearby communities.

Between November 18 and December 17, there have been 108 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the central and northern portions of the Nechako Local Health Area. This includes 33 cases confirmed between December 9 and 15, 2020. Of the total, 65 cases are considered active.

Northern Health Public Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the LNG Canada Project Site in Kitimat, BC, after finding evidence of COVID-19 transmission among staff of Diversified Transportation working at the project site.

Ongoing monitoring and testing of staff and residents at Jubilee Lodge in Prince George has identified additional lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19. NH Medical Health Officers declared a facility outbreak on December 12, 2020, following (3) lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff and residents.

To date, there have been eight lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases among Jubilee Lodge residents, and four staff cases.

Communication with Jubilee Lodge staff, residents, and families is ongoing.

Northern Health Northern Health Medical Health Officers have declared an end to a precautionary outbreak related to the Family Medicine Unit at University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George.

The precautionary outbreak was originally declared December 3, 2020. Since that date, there has been no evidence of ongoing spread from the lab-confirmed cases that prompted the precautionary declaration.

Northern Health Medical Health Officers have declared an end to a precautionary outbreak at Gateway Lodge in Prince George.

This was the second of two precautionary outbreaks, originally declared in early December on separate units at Gateway. The first, on Cedar Wing (upper west wing, 2nd floor) ended December 10; the second, on the Special Care Unit, has also been declared over, as there is no evidence of transmission of illness on that unit since the last date of any potential exposure.

Northern Health is implementing enhanced COVID-19 precautions at Jubilee Lodge in Prince George, following lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff and residents.

Communication with Jubilee Lodge staff, residents, and families is ongoing.

NH Medical Health Officers have declared a facility outbreak. NH care facilities have implemented very clear policies and procedures for COVID-19 infection prevention and control, to lower the risk of transmission to residents, staff and physicians in a health care facility.

As of Friday, December 11, 56 employees associated with the declared outbreak at the LNG Canada Project Site in Kitimat, BC, where JGC Fluor (JFJV) is the prime contractor, have tested positive for COVID-19 (no change since the December 9 update).

A single case remains active (55 are considered recovered). Self-isolation requirements for the 55 recovered individuals have ended, and there is no one isolating at the project site.

Northern Health is pleased to advise that a COVID-19 outbreak declared in early November at Rotary Manor in Dawson Creek, is officially over. COVID-19 outbreak protocols are being lifted for the final remaining unit where the exposure risk period has now passed.

In total, there were a total of nine confirmed resident cases of COVID-19, and four staff cases. Sadly, two residents passed away in November, associated with this outbreak.