A community cluster consisting of 22 COVID-19 cases in Revelstoke and area, reported by Interior Health on Nov. 26, has now ballooned to 46 cases.

Of the 46 total cases, 32 are currently active – and many of the new cases are associated with previously confirmed cases. As contact tracing continues, Interior Health (IH) says it’s priority is to ensure that anyone exposed is self-isolating and all close contacts are identified and receive follow-up from public health.

An exposure event related to this cluster has been identified at Ecole de Glacier Elementary on Nov. 23. Public health is following up with any close contacts. All schools have safety plans in place and students who have not been contacted directly by public health can continue to go to school. IH will report school cases on IH’s website.

IH continues to highlight the importance, especially at this time, of limiting your social activities and following COVID-19 protocols.

“Socialization must be limited to your household bubble and you should not be attending gatherings at this time. People should be physical distancing and masking when unable to stay apart during essential activities,” IH stated.

Interior Health also reminds people to limit all non-essential travel right now.

“This means, sticking to your own communities, skiing at your own ski hill and not getting together in groups after skiing, only going to restaurants with your family bubble, etc. Carpooling is also not recommended at this time. We thank the community for continuing to be kind to each other and to do their part to enable everyone to stay healthy.”

IH continues to monitor this cluster for additional cases. 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,” IH pointed out.

Everyone 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 – IH has increased testing capacity in Revelstoke. 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: https://interiorhealthcovid.secureform.ca/index.php

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

Headache

Other milder symptoms may include: runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting and red eyes.

e-KNOW

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