Photo: Dale Boyd/Times-Chronicle
Times-Chronicle Staff
Interior Health is issuing an isolation order for 36 temporary foreign workers and nine individuals after two test-positive cases of COVID-19 at an Oliver cherry orchard.
Interior Health’s Medical Health Officer (MHO) issued the order Monday afternoon for the Krazy Cherry Fruit Company in Oliver due to two positive COVID-19 cases associated with the farm.
“The risk of exposure to the general public related to this farm is considered to be low,” reads a statement from Interior Health.
“One case is self-isolating at home in the community, while the second individual – a temporary foreign worker (TFW) – is isolating in a location off the farm. At this time, a link between these two cases has not been identified.””
The 45 individuals are restricted from leaving while further testing and investigation takes place, Interior Health stated, and access to the farm is also restricted with the exception of deliveries of essential supplies with appropriate precautions in place.
“Interior Health is working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that all workers receive the appropriate follow up (including testing as required) and supports they need,” the statement reads.
The cause of illness in the two positive cases has not been determined, but both individuals are presumed to have acquired it in B.C. according to Interior Health, who also stated the temporary foreign workers went through the 14-day self-isolation program and tested negative for COVID-19 before starting to work at the farm.
Interior Health also mentioned general recommendations for consumers of all produce including: rinsing fresh produce like cherries under cold water (soap or sanitizer is not required) and washing hands with soap and water before and after eating.
Answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Interior Health public website here: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/frequently-asked-questions/.
