COVID-19 outbreak declared at Teck Mining project sites

ELKFORD, B.C. — The COVID-19 virus has spread to Teck mining operations near Elkford, B.C.

Interior Health announced that the outbreak has 27 confirmed cases across three sites operated by Teck Mining impacting B.C. and out-of-province residents.

Here are the sites.

• Fording River Operations: eight confirmed cases.
• Elkview Mine Operations: four confirmed cases.
• Active Water Treatment facility construction project: 15 confirmed cases.

According to Interior Health, cases have been identified with residences in multiple jurisdictions, including Interior Health, Vancouver Island Health, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Ten of the 27 cases are workers who live in the Interior Health area and these workers have been instructed to self-isolate with support from local public health officials.

Interior Health noted it has been working closely with Teck to monitor local operations and is confident the proper practices and procedures are in place for environmental cleaning, symptom screening and physical distancing to prevent community transmission of COVID-19.

“There is currently no indication of COVID-19 spread into the community, however, everyone in all communities should remain vigilant,” said Interior Health officials in a statement.