Fraser Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at a Fraser Valley mink farm.
According to a media release, eight people at the farm have tested positive for the virus so far. Fraser Health is currently screening employees and says contact management is ongoing. The farm operators and affected staff are self-isolating and testing of the animals is also underway.
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“Enhanced measures are in place to ensure safety of animals and farm owners,” states Fraser Health, adding that it is “working in partnership with the BC Ministry of Agriculture, BC Ministry of Health, WorkSafeBC and BC Centre for Disease Control to support the health of the farm operators and staff and address this outbreak”
The operators have been ordered to restrict the transport of animals, products, and goods from the farm, as specified by the BC Animal Health Act.
WorkSafe BC’s Consultation and Education Services team is currently reaching out to other mink farms in BC to discuss their COVID-19 Safety Plans as all employers in BC are required to have these plans in place.