A prayer gathering in northern Alberta that took place July 30 to Aug. 2 included some participants potentially from Fort St. John.
Northern Health has identified this as the reasoning for the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the region as some individuals may have been exposed.
Though it's not listed as a 'community/facility outbreak' on its website, the authority is issuing an alert, saying 12 of the test-positive cases are linked to the gathering, 10 are still active, while the rest are considered secondary exposure.
Currently, there are 17 lab-confirmed cases in northern B.C. among a grand total of 107 since the virus hit the region.
'It Is Time Canada' hosted the prayer and worship event in Deadwood, Alta., located under 300 km east of Fort St. John where most of the active cases are.
Directions from Fort St. John, B.C. to Deadwood, Alta. (via Google Maps)Northern Health says, however, the alert applies to the entire northeast and people who attended the gathering are asked to monitor their symptoms.
"Contact tracing has also identified a number of close contacts, 24 of whom are in self-isolation with active daily monitoring by public health," the authority adds in its update.
"Given the location of the event, it is most likely that residents of northeast B.C. may have been in attendance, or had contact with attendees. Northeast B.C. residents are strongly encouraged to self-monitor, and self-isolate and seek testing if they have any COVID-19 symptoms."
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said to avoid large gatherings of any kind to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 as B.C. endured its third- (Aug. 12) and fourth-highest (Aug. 14) single-day case counts last week.
"We need everyone to recommit to using the skills we’ve learned. Keep gatherings small, have a designated ‘contact keeper,’ limit time with others, maintain physical distance and always stay home if you’re feeling unwell," said Dr. Henry.
“We must all keep working together to protect people’s health, homes and livelihoods, and to get our province back on track. We are all in this together, so let’s continue holding the line.”
Young people remain as the group with the most cases; 809 between 20 and 29, and 800 between 30 and 39.
According to It Is Time Canada's website, a COVID-19 guideline was created for people to attend the in-person event, which took place on a farm an hour north of Peace River, Alta.
Christwalker Productions, the main organizers, said via social media attendees 'did not have the symptoms when they were at the event' and are asking all who attended to keep personal and others' health a priority.
Attendance was capped at 100 people, the website reads, including speakers and workers.
Attendants were also assigned to take visitors' temperatures, set up mask and hand-sanitizing stations and make them sign an agreement form indicating they showed no symptoms of COVID-19 'nor have been in contact with a person showing attendance, nor have been placed under isolation for travel or other reasons.'
The province will have a COVID-19 update later today (Aug. 17) with test results over the last three days.
Northern Health has listed the following tips to help stop the spread of the virus:
Be Safe:
- Get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling sick
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Wear a mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained
Have Safe Gatherings:
- Fewer faces in bigger spaces. Limit your gatherings to small groups and hold them outside
- Keep gatherings to people you know and keep track of who attends, so we can contact them if someone gets infected. If you host a gathering, you are expected to have the names and contact information of those that attend
- Limiting gathering size in private residences to six people
Be Kind:
- Maintain the confidentiality of those who are sick or who are contacts
- Show support and caring to those who are sick or who are contacts
