IH declares COVID-19 outbreak at Teck mining operation

Photo: Teck

Interior Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Teck mining operations near Elkford, British Columbia.

IH has determined that the outbreak has 27 confirmed cases and spans three sites operated by Teck Mining Ltd., impacting Interior Health and out-of-province residents.

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

These 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 reside within Interior Health and these cases are self-isolating with support from local public health.

Interior Health 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.

The public is reminded to follow all 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
• Practise physical distancing and use a mask if you cannot.
• Wash your hands often.