While they aren't included on Vancouver Coastal Health's public exposures page, a number of local businesses say they've been advised by the health authority that their staff and customers may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Last week, the Rumpus Room on Main Street temporarily closed doors after one of its kitchen staff tested positive for the virus on Aug. 13. The establishment stated in an Instagram post that the employee was in the back of the house wearing a mask at all times, and therefore the risk of transmission to other staff and customers is very low. As of Aug. 19, they have reopened to the public.
The Shamrock Bar and Grill also informed its customers about a possible exposure to COVID-19 on Aug. 11. While they didn't close doors, they add that the staff member who tested positive will not be returning to work until they receive a negative test result.
JQ Clothing Ltd. on Commercial Drive also warned its customers about a possible COVID-19 exposure on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11. The retailer wrote in an Instagram post that, "I have been informed by BC Health and Work Safe BC that people should just watch for any symptoms if you visited those days. Your exposure is at an extreme minimum." Since then, the store has reopened, and the risk is, "seen as extremely negligible."
Harbour Dance Centre, a dance studio in the city, says one of its instructors tested positive for the virus on Aug. 11. In an Instagram post, the centre adds that the individual, "likely contracted it at a dance community party on Aug. 2." In addition, one of the dance students reportedly tested positive after returning from China. However, the studio underscores that it is unclear where they contracted the virus.
Here is a list of the most recent public exposures in Vancouver.
- Rumpus Room at 2301 Main Street on Aug. 13
- Shamrock Bar and Grill at 1184 Denman on Aug. 11
- JQ Clothing Ltd. at 2120 Commerical Drive on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11
- Harbour Dance Centre at 927 Granville St suite 301
Vancouver Coastal Health still has warnings on its public exposures page for the Ivy Lounge, Levels Nightclub, Pierre's Champagne Lounge, West Oak Restaurant, Foot Locker, and Pump Jack Pub.
COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets when a person who is sick coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread when a healthy person touches an object or surface (e.g. a doorknob or a table) with the virus on it, and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands. Most people who get COVID-19 have only mild disease, but a few people can get very sick and may need to go to hospital. The symptoms of COVID-19 may include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of smell and/or diarrhea.
