By Canadian Press

17 confirmed cases

Outbreak of COVID-19 linked to event in County of Northern Lights

Aug 17, 2020 | 11:12 AM

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The health authority in northern British Columbia has issued an alert after more than a dozen people tested positive for COVID-19.

The alert says the outbreak is linked to a religious gathering held between July 30 and Aug. 2 in Deadwood, which is located about 32 km southeast of Manning.

Anyone who attended the It Is Time Canada event is asked to monitor themselves, self-isolate and seek testing if any COVID-19 symptoms develop.

Northern Health says 17 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified so far, with 12 related to attendance at the event and the other five linked to secondary exposures.

Most of the cases are in Fort St. John, but the authority says the exposure alert applies to all of northeastern B.C.

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In an emailed statement to EverythingGP, Sherene Khaw with Alberta Health says Alberta Health Services is investigating the situation here in Alberta, and that they are coordinating with BC Health in regards to contact tracing.

“We are aware of COVID-19 cases linked to ‘It Is Time Canada’ prayer gathering in Deadwood,” says Khaw. “Anyone who attended the ‘It Is Time Canada’ event between July 30 and August 2 (or who is a close contact of an attendee) should book a COVID-19 test online and continue to monitor for symptoms.”

(With files from Shaun Penner, EverythingGP)