A WestJet passenger tested postive for COVID-19 after flying from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Kelowna International Airport (YLW) last week.
The guest travelled on WestJet flight WS 3326 from Vancouver to Kelowna on March 10, and all passengers disembarked in Kelowna. As such, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) advises that all guests in the affected rows of 10-14 are considered close contacts and may be at risk of exposure.
Public health officials stated that other gests 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.
Kelowna International Airport stated that, "The situation is dynamic and we are working with our partners to keep passengers and our community updated as information is known. 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."
The airport added that it is following the direction of health authorities regarding best practices for public health and safety.
WestJet stated that it has standard procedures in place for dealing with illness and is working with PHAC, BC Centre for Disease Prevention, the Vancouver Airport Authority and Kelowna Airport.
"Guests in the affected rows of WS3326 (rows 10-16) are considered close contacts and may be at risk of exposure. Public health officials recommend that affected individuals self-isolate for 14 days after arrival in Canada and monitor for symptoms," WestJet added.
WestJet also notes that guests are advised to contact HealthLinkBC at 811.
More information on how to contact BC Health Services is available online here.
