Coronavirus Outbreak Declared at Diavik, Canada
April 05, 21
(IDEX Online) - Government officials in Canada have declared a coronavirus outbreak at the remote Diavik Diamond Mine, close to the Arctic Circle.
Two workers at the facility (pictured), managed by Rio Tinto, have tested positive for the British variant of the virus, the first on 29 March, followed by a second, linked, case on 3 April.
They are the first two confirmed cases of the British B.1.1.7 Covid-19 variant in the Northwest Territories (NWT). Both involve non-resident workers, who are currently in isolation.
Outbreaks are declared when there's a concern that the virus has been transmitted at a closed facility, such as a mine.
The NWT's Office of the Chief Public Health Officer said it was "working closely with Diavik mine to ensure the individual with COVID-19 and contacts continue to safely isolate on-site.
"The company will test all employees at the mine site and continue to work with public health officials to mitigate transmission risk."
Rio Tinto have been approached for comment.