COVID-19 outbreak at Kelowna church service

Anyone who attended a morning church service Calvary Chapel Kelowna Sept. 13 may have been exposed to COVID-19, health officials are warning.

Four people are connected to the outbreak to date, with the latest three cases identified to public health on Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26.

In response, health officials are asking people who were in the Ann Rauser Hall within the building at 2870 Benvoulin Rd., for the 10:30 a.m. live service to self-isolate until the end of the day on Sunday, Sept. 27 and to get tested if they display symptoms of COVID-19.

Anyone who was at the church for the morning televised service, hosted in the library, on Sept. 13 is asked to monitor for signs of COVID-19 and to get tested if they begin to exhibit symptoms.

Individuals seeking a test should call their primary care provider (family physician or nurse practitioner) or the closest Interior Health community testing and assessment centre.

"We want to thank the church community for the co-operation being shown as we work to limit this exposure. We are aware that physical distancing and other safety precautions were in place, which is important to stop the spread of COVID-19," according to IH.

COVID-19 testing

• Testing is recommended for anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Loss of sense of taste or smell
• Other milder symptoms may include: runny nose, fatigue, body aches (muscles and joints aching), diarrhea, headache, sore throat, vomiting and red eyes.

IH reminds everyone of the importance of following COVID-19 precautions:

• Stay home and avoid travel if you have symptoms, even mild ones.
• Maintain physical distancing (two metres apart) and use masks when distancing is not possible.
• Wash your hands regularly and do not touch your face.
• Do not plan or attend gatherings of more than 50 people. Limit gatherings to out of doors whenever possible.

On its website, Calvary Chapel Kelowna said it's meeting in-person, in a limited way. Sunday Service meets for in-person gatherings of a maximum of 50 people, with pre-registration required. 

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