Kamloops New Afton gold mine confirms 4 COVID-19 cases

A gold and copper mine west of Kamloops has confirmed four contractors at the site have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to a Dec. 16 media release from New Afton Mine, the company became aware of one positive case Dec. 12. Following this case contact tracing then identified three other individuals who also tested positive.

"These individuals, as well as other close contacts, are contractors from the same self-contained working group," says the release. "All are self-isolating and have not been on site since we received notification. We will not be sharing further information to protect their privacy."

The mine said New Afton Emergency Response personnel have taken immediate steps and all affected areas have been thoroughly sanitized by a Mine Rescue HAZMAT team using a disinfectant fogger system.

New Afton also reports two unrelated positive cases were identified Nov. 27 and 28, and those individuals are now fully recovered and have completed 14-day self-isolation. The company says no close contacts to these individuals tested positive for COVID-19.

The company says site access will continue with existing preventative measures and daily operations have not been impacted.

"The health and safety of employees, contractors and visitors continues to be our number one priority and will continue to support all initiatives that align with that objective," says the release.

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