Person infected with COVID-19 flew on WestJet plane from Vancouver to Kelowna

(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

March 15, 2020 - 11:46 AM

A passenger on a flight from Vancouver to Kelowna has tested positive for COVID-19.

"Today, Kelowna International Airport was advised by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that a guest who flew on March 10 on WestJet flight WS 3326 from Vancouver International Airport to YLW has tested positive for COVID-19. All passengers of flight WS 3326 disembarked in Kelowna," Jessica Hewitt, communications advisor to a YLW, said in a news release.

YLW is sharing this information to keep the community informed about the possibility of virus transmission.

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"Guests in the affected rows of 10 to 14 are considered close contacts and may be at risk of exposure. Public health officials are advising other guests of WS3326 on March 10 are not required to self-isolate, but should self-monitor for 14 days after arrival in Kelowna as a precaution."

The situation is dynamic and airport staff are working with their partners to keep passengers and the community updated as information is known.

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"While the public health risk remains low for Canada and for Canadian travellers, the safety of airport employees, passengers and our greater community is our top priority," Hewitt said.

The airport is following the direction of health authorities.

"The Interior Health case is related to travel in a number of places in Europe, most recently Portugal," said Bonnie Henry, provincial medical health officer, in a press conference Saturday, March 14.

B.C. currently has 73 confirmed cases, including one death. Six cases have been resolved.

READ MORE: The latest numbers of COVID-19 cases in Canada as of March 15, 2020

There are 313 cases in Canada. Ontario has the greatest number of cases out of any province, with 142 cases.

- With files from The Canadian Press

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