Kelowna airport implements coronavirus procedures

On the heels of the World Health Organization announcing a global emergency for the novel coronavirus infection, Kelowna's airport has released some precautions they're implementing to reduce the possibility of infection.

"While the public health risk remains low for Canada and for Canadian travellers, the safety of airport employees, passengers and our greater community is always our priority at YLW," Kelowna airport staff said a press release.

"The Public Health Agency of Canada has not yet advised YLW to implement additional screening measures, however, we are proactively implementing several preventative, precautionary safeguards in the terminal."

Those include hand sanitizer stations located throughout the terminal, increased frequency of cleaning common areas such as check-in kiosks, handrails, luggage carts and in the washrooms.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please seek medical attention and avoid coming to the airport.

"We are committed to keeping employees, passengers and the public informed as we receive updates on the Coronavirus," the release said.

As of Jan. 31, the B.C. Ministry of Health has confirmed one positive case of coronavirus in B.C. and one in Ontario. The risk of infection in both provinces continues to remain low at this time.

Since December, the virus has sickened thousands, mostly in China. Symptoms include fever, cough and in more severe cases shortness of breath or pneumonia.

Call the PHAC public information line if you have additional questions: 1-833-784-4397.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.