Potential COVID-19 exposure at Silvertip mine, Northern BC

Yukon public health officials have been informed of cases of COVID-19 transmitted at Coeur Mining’s Silvertip mine in Northern BC.

All Yukon and Lower Post workers who were at the mine since this time are being individually notified either by the company, their employer or by Yukon Communicable Disease Control.

As a precaution, anyone working at the mine who has left the mine site within the previous two weeks should self-isolate until 14 days following their departure from the mine. In addition, anyone who has been at the mine site during the period from February 17 to the present should carefully self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. If any symptoms develop, however mild, they should immediately self-isolate and arrange to get tested.

People from Watson Lake and the surrounding area, including Lower Post, who were at the mine and have symptoms should contact the Watson Lake Community Hospital at 867-536-4444 to arrange for testing.

If you are in Whitehorse, you can get tested at the COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre (CTAC). The centre is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Call 867-393-3083 for an appointment.

People in other Yukon communities can get tested at a community health centre.

Anyone experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should self-isolate and remain at home, take the online self-assessment and arrange to get tested.

The symptoms to watch for are: 

• fever;
• chills;
• cough;
• difficulty breathing;
• shortness of breath;
• runny nose;
• sore throat;
• loss of sense of taste or smell;
• headache;
• fatigue;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea and vomiting;
• diarrhea; and
• muscle aches.

Safe 6 plus 1

Everyone should continue to follow the Safe 6 plus 1. Plus 1 means wear a mask in all indoor public spaces. Information about the Safe 6 is at: practisesafe6.ca