Northern Health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak on Haida Gwaii over.
The outbreak was declared on July 24, and was linked to residents of the islands who had travelled to the mainland. A total of 26 people became sick during the outbreak, according to a statement issued by Northern Health. The last case associated with the outbreak was reported Aug. 6.
"There have been no new cases since that date; there are no active cases, and public health officials are now confident there are no further chains of transmission of COVID-19 related to the outbreak," a statement issued by Northern Health on Friday said. "(Northern Health) is pleased to report that none of the 26 outbreak-related cases required hospitalization, or relocation for self-isolation needs. While all of the outbreak-related cases and contacts have recovered and/or completed self-isolation, there may be other individuals self-isolating for a variety of reasons, such as being in compliance with Haida Gwaii State of Emergency requirements for anyone returning to Haida Gwaii."
Northern Health is encouraging Haida Gwaii residents to continue to work together and support each other in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
"Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority have worked closely with Council of the Haida Nation and municipal governments on Haida Gwaii to ensure a coordinated community response, and that medical supports including housing options for self-isolation were available, if needed," the statement said. "This work has been guided by a collaborative framework that ensures people living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities in B.C. have access to critical health care to meet their unique needs."
