COVID-19 – Virus case identified at Save-On Foods pharmacy in Columbia Place

A case of COVID-19 has been identified at the Save-On Foods pharmacy in the Columbia Place Shopping Centre in Sahali, Interior Health announced today (March 26, 2020).

In addition to following up directly with known close contacts to advise self-isolation, the health authority is asking those who visited the pharmacy on March 10, 13, 14, or from March 16 to 21 to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days from the time of their visit.

Save-On Foods Pharmacy has taken measures to ensure the safety of their customers and staff, including screening staff daily for symptoms, enhanced cleaning, floor stickers to ensure physical distancing, and extra supplies of personal protective equipment for staff.

The pharmacy has also ordered Plexiglas barriers for installation. Save-On Foods has also undertaken enhanced cleaning throughout the store. Save-On Foods and the pharmacy remain open.

The health authority said that as long as customers of the pharmacy remain healthy and do not develop symptoms, they can return to their routine activities 14 days after the date of their visit.

If customers develop respiratory symptoms they need to self-isolate at home for a minimum of 10 days from the time their symptoms develop and until symptoms resolve.

“Individuals who develop symptoms, particularly those who are older or have underlying health conditions, should call 811 or their health-care provider if they have concerns or questions about your health. See the BCCDC guide to self-isolation if you have respiratory symptoms.”

IH said testing is not required for those who have mild respiratory symptoms. If respiratory symptoms worsen, call 811 or your health-care provider. For further guidance, please use the BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool.

Interior health confirmed that community transmission of COVID-19 has been detected in communities across the Interior Health region, saying all communities should assume COVID-19 cases are present and take appropriate precautions.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include the following:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Other milder symptoms may include: runny nose, fatigue, body aches (muscles and joints, aching), diarrhea, headache, sore throat, vomiting and red eyes.

For information on self-isolation, see the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) guide to self-isolation if you do not have COVID-19 or respiratory symptoms. Additional information on COVID-19 is also available on the IH Website.