The BC Centre for Disease Control is warning passengers that a flight arriving at the Comox Valley Airport from Calgary on Oct. 22 had a confirmed case of COVID-19 on board.
WestJet flight 3315 from Calgary to Comox was identified with a case, with rows six to 12 being affected. The flight departed Calgary at 10:06 p.m. (scheduled for 9:30 p.m.) and arrived in Comox at 10:57 p.m.
The BCCDC recommends passengers on a domestic flight with a COVID-19 case should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
“We knew it was only a matter of time before this occurred, despite our hopes to the contrary,” explained Erin Neely, market development manager for the airport. “We have a whole set of internal protocols as part of our Pandemic Plan, and outward-facing YQQ Ready plan for passengers and staff within the terminal.”
Neely said in this instance, it was the last flight of the day, and upon noting the instance on the BCCDC website, YQQ’s operations manager spoke to the few staff that were working at that time to assist them and alert them of any additional risk.
“Due to all of the enhanced measures, self-monitoring to ensure no one comes to work if they do not feel well, physical distancing, wearing of masks within the terminal, hand washing /sanitizing stations and enhanced cleaning protocols, we had no reason to suspect any increased risk for anyone within the terminal that evening.”
Additionally, acting CEO Alex Robertson sent a note to all staff and tenants to ensure they were informed of the incident and to provide links for additional information.
Passengers seated near a case of COVID-19 who were recognized after arrival will no longer be directly notified of their potential exposure. Instead, that information is posted on the BCCDC website.
Those seated in affected rows should be considered to be at higher risk due to their proximity to the case.
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