COVID-19 community cluster in village linked to social events

Interior Health (IH) is reporting ongoing COVID-19 cases linked to a community cluster in the Salmo area of the West Kootenay.

The agency said there have been 23 cases identified over the last two weeks in the Salmo region extending south from Nelson.

The majority of the cases are linked to several social events that occurred in Salmo, and 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.

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.

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 its public website (https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/school-exposures/).

The Salmo businesses involved in the gatherings have decided 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.

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: 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.