A second COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the LNG Canada Project site in Kitimat.

On Thursday (Dec. 17), Northern Health announced another outbreak after finding evidence of COVID-19 transmission among Diversified Transporation staff working at the project site.

To date, 15 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 in association with this outbreak, and 13 of the cases are considered active, Northern Health said.

There are approximately 40 Diversified Transportation employees working at the project site and all have undergone proactive COVID-19 testing. Those identified as cases and close contacts have been instructed to self-isolate.

Northern Health said this outbreak is unrelated to one declared Nov. 19, which has seen no new cases since Dec. 2.

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

Many Kitimat and Terrace community members were also wondering if the outbreak had any connection with school bus drivers, as Diversified Transportation also runs the buses for Coast Mountains School District 82.

However, Northern Health confirmed that this outbreak involves Diversified employees working only on the LNG Canada Project site.

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

clare.rayment@northernsentinel.com
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