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IH reporting COVID-19 community cluster in Salmo
Interior Health (IH) is reporting ongoing COVID-19 cases linked to the community cluster in the Salmo area.
Our investigation reveals in the past 14 days, there have been 23 COVID-19 cases identified in the Salmo region extending south from Nelson.
The majority of these cases are linked to several social events that occurred in Salmo. At this time, there is no evidence of widespread transmission in any communities and an outbreak has not been declared.
The majority of new cases are primarily among contacts of the original cases identified earlier this month. This highlights the importance, especially at this time, of limiting your social activities and following COVID-19 protocols when indoors (distancing and masking when unable to effectively distance).
All identified active cases continue to self-isolate and public health continues to follow-up directly with all close contacts to offer guidance and support. The risk of exposure from this cluster in communities outside the broader Salmo area is considered low.
IH continues to monitor this cluster for additional cases.
No exposures have been identified in a local school setting and students can continue to go to school. If there is a case, the schools will be alerted and appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the safety of our school population. IH will report school cases on our public website.
Information from across B.C. continues to demonstrate that we are not seeing significant transmission of COVID-19 in the school settings.
The Salmo businesses involved in the gatherings have elected to temporarily close. Environmental public health has been in the community to review safety plans at a number of locations and provide guidance and support as required.
This cluster illustrates that COVID-19 is in smaller rural communities as well as larger urban centres.
Everyone in in all communities should remain vigilant in following COVID-19 precautions:
- Keep to your household bubbles and avoid social gatherings.
- Stay home when you are sick and get tested if you have any symptoms consistent with COVID (see below).
- Practise physical distancing and use a mask if you cannot.
- Wash your hands often.
Testing by appointment only is available locally at the Salmo Wellness Centre and at the testing centres in Trail, Nelson or Castlegar. Testing is not recommended for individuals who do not have symptoms.
Booking a test:
Online: You can book an appointment online through the COVID-19 Test Booking Form.
By phone: Call the COVID-19 Test Booking Line at 1-877-740-7747 for assistance with booking your test.
Testing is available for people with cold, influenza, or COVID-19-like symptoms, including:
fever; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; loss of sense of taste or smell; body aches (muscles and joints aching); diarrhea; and headache.
Other milder symptoms may include: runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting and red eyes.
Lead image: COVID-19 testing centre at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson. e-KNOW file photo
Interior Health
