Northern Health is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 activity and hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients requiring critical care. We are focused on ensuring the health system has capacity to offer quality care to both non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 patients, working in partnership with other health authorities, the Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Northern Health is advising of a potential exposure to COVID-19, at The Key Resource Centre, and the Cold Weather Shelter in Fort St James, between November 12 and 25.
Public health officials are asking people who visited either the resource centre or shelter during this time period, to take extra care to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 until December 10 (14 days from the last date of possible exposure). Public health contact tracing is underway and, where possible, NH is reaching out directly to individuals who have been exposed.
On November 19, 2020, Northern Health Public Health declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the LNG Canada Project Site in Kitimat, BC, where JGC Fluor (JFJV) is the prime contractor, after finding evidence of COVID-19 transmission among staff working at this location.
The Northern Health Connections program will run on a modified schedule starting December 17, leading up to a holiday season break.
NH Connections provides transportation for clients travelling to non-emergent health services outside their home communities. A variety of routes connect communities across northern BC, along with service to Vancouver. Demand for the service typically drops over the holiday season as fewer people book health care appointments.
Northern Health is pleased to advise that COVID-19 outbreak protocols are being lifted for all but one unit at Rotary Manor in Dawson Creek, as the exposure risk has passed for the majority of the facility.
To date, there have been a total of nine confirmed resident cases of COVID-19, and four staff cases. Sadly, two residents passed away since the outbreak was declared November 2nd, 2020.
On November 19, 2020, Northern Health Public Health declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the LNG Canada Project Site in Kitimat, BC, where JGC Fluor (JFJV) is the prime contractor, after finding evidence of COVID-19 transmission among staff working at this location.
Northern Health, on behalf of our staff and physicians, is reminding residents to adhere to the new provincial health orders and guidelines as we experience growing COVID-19 activity.
With more frequent cases and clusters, as well as increasing hospitalizations, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has issued strong orders and guidelines in an effort to address the surge in cases. The North is not exempt from the increase in COVID-19 activity and hospitalization rates, and we want to reinforce Dr. Henry's call to act appropriately.
