Health officials have expanded a possible COVID-19 exposure notice for the No5 Orange strip club.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) had initially advised the public that a staff member who tested positive for the virus worked at the club on July 1.
On Wednesday, VCH said a second person has since tested positive who was at the club on July 1, 3, 4 and 7.
The health authority has closed the No5 Orange while it reviews the business’ safety plan.
“As a precaution, we are advising people who attended the No5 Orange on July 1, 3, 4 or 7 to monitor themselves for 14 days,” said VCH in a health bulletin.
“As long as they remain healthy and do not develop symptoms, there is no need to self-isolate and they should continue with their usual daily activities.”
Anyone who develops symptoms should book a test immediately, said the health authority.
At the time of the first exposure notice, a manager with the club acknowledged that staff at the business failed to take proper contact tracing information from everyone who attended.
The No5 Orange is one of two strip clubs in Vancouver that were closed due to potential exposures.
Brandi’s Exotic Show Lounge was closed in late June after “multiple people” who attended over several days tested positive.
That club plans to reopen Wednesday with added safety precautions, after review and inspection by VCH and WorkSafeBC. Brandi’s said none of its staff members have tested positive for the virus.
Earlier Wednesday, health officials said they would boost inspections and enforcement on bars and nightclubs that do not follow COVID-19 guidelines.
Nightclubs are not permitted to operate until B.C. enters Phase 4 of its pandemic plan, but provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says they may operate if they re-purpose as pubs and follow appropriate regulations.
Strip clubs were not specifically covered in B.C.’s reopening pans, but VCH has previously said it provided advice to some on reopening under the pandemic.
“It’s our opinion that a combination of the performing arts guidance and and the restaurant and pub guidance would address many of their issues,” said a VCH spokesperson in June.
“For example, if a strip club was acting as a bar, then (it) could set seating capacity based on physical distancing and barriers.”
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