Sun Peaks Health Centre confirms area doctor tested positive for COVID-19

SUN PEAKS – The Sun Peaks Health Centre has added further details into a recent report of one resident testing positive for COVID-19.

In a release today (Mar. 22), Sun Peaks Health Centre’s Medical Director, Dr. Shane Barclay, confirmed that Dr. Chip Bantock did test positive for COVID-19, and is currently in quarantine at home.

Dr. Barclay goes on to say that Dr. Bantock did contact all patients he was in contact personally and professionally who may be at risk, and if you have not been contacted by Dr. Bantock, you are at no greater risk than you have been to date.

The release notes that Dr. Bantock, who practices at the facility, was unfortunately exposed through his work as a medical professional, while still taking all measures to limit potential exposure.

Health professionals are urging residents to practice proper social distancing at this time and remain at least six feet apart in public spaces.

“Due to the limited number of tests available, formal testing is currently limited to active medical professionals, hospital in-patients and long-term care residents,” Dr. Barclay states, “Thus, there are most likely many cases of COVID-19, including here in Sun Peaks, that will not be recorded as an official confirmed case in the updated numbers we hear every day”

The local government stated yesterday (Mar. 21) it is aware of several other presumptive cases and expects more residents will produce positive test results.

To read the full release, click here.