By Pete McIntyre

Salmo COVID-19 community cluster contained

Dec 4, 2020 | 5:10 PM

Interior Health has declared the COVID-19 community cluster in the broader Salmo area contained.

A total of 25 COVID-19 cases were connected to the cluster in the Salmo region extending south from Nelson.

“I’d like to thank local elected officials, family physicians, public health, clinic staff, businesses and residents for working hard to limit the spread of COVID-19 once this cluster was identified. Containing this cluster shows when everyone pulls together and follows public health guidance we can limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Interior Health president and CEO, Susan Brown.

All cases associated with the cluster received appropriate follow-up and have recovered. Contacts of each confirmed case were identified through contact tracing and also received direction from public health.

The majority of the cluster cases were linked to several social events that occurred in Salmo at the end of October and early November.

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“Containing this cluster demonstrates the effectiveness of our investigations and contact tracing whether it relates to a single case or a cluster of cases. Our medical health officers, epidemiology team, communicable disease unit, and public health staff remain dedicated to reducing COVID-19 exposures in all our communities,” said Dr. Goodison, medical health officer. “Everyone has a role to play in a community’s overall health, especially when it comes to COVID-19.”

No exposures were identified in a school setting in Salmo. IH reports school cases on its website (https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/school-exposures/).

The end of the cluster does not mean people in Salmo and other rural communities should let down their guard. Everyone in in all communities should remain vigilant in following COVID-19 precautions and current public health orders:

Keep to your household bubbles and avoid social gatherings.
Limit all non-essential travel.
Stay home when you are sick and get tested if you have any symptoms consistent with COVID (see below).
Practise physical distancing and use a mask if you cannot.
Wash your hands often.

by Pete McIntyre

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