COVID-19 outbreak at two Coastal GasLink work sites

There has been a COVID-19 outbreak at two Coastal GasLink project employee accommodation sites.

Northern Health Public Health announced 7 Mile Lodge in Burns Lake Local Health Area and Little Rock Lodge in Nechako Local Health Area have been affected after Pacific Atlantic Pipeline Construction staff working and traveling between the two sites tested positive for the coronavirus. 

There are 27 employees who have tested positive and 17 cases remain active.

All cases are considered to be associated with this outbreak, employees are being screened and contact tracing is ongoing. Those identified as cases and close contacts have been instructed to self-isolate, either at their current location (Lodge), in alternate accommodations, or their home communities.

Northern Health is working with the BC Centre for Disease Control to ensure continued communication with the health authorities or jurisdictions of affected employees’ home communities outside of BC.

Northern Health officers have issued an order that says these worksites are to be limited to essential workers only until public health approves an updated COVID-19 safety plan.

Northern Health, the BC Centre for Disease Control, WorksafeBC and industry have been working together on planning and implementing COVID-19 measures since the spring. This work continues, including with CGL and its prime contractors, to ensure enhanced control measures are followed to protect the health of employees and of the communities where they live and work.

The outbreak declaration will be in place for at least 28 days.

For more information on public exposures, school exposures, and facility or community outbreaks of COVID-19 within the Northern Health region visit www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/public-exposures-and-outbreaks.