A coronavirus outbreak in the Okanagan involving a shipping company is being investigated by area health officials.
According to Interior Health, the outbreak at a FedEx depot in Kelowna has affected three staff members, who have been confirmed to have tested positive.
The health agency said another six staff members are in isolation at this time. The depot is located next to Kelowna’s airport, on Airport Way.
“The business has sufficient precautions in place to prevent COVID-19 transmission to the public, and there has been no COVID-19 exposure to the general public,” Interior Health said in an email to Global News.
It added the business is not directly connected to the airport and that no exposures have occurred from FedEx staff to airport workers.
Interior Health said officials are supporting each staff member in isolation and are grateful for FedEx’s efforts and cooperation.
In an email to Global News, FedEx said two employees are off after contracting COVID-19, and that there are no impacts to operations in the area.
“FedEx is adhering to all regulations and guidelines from government authorities related to the containment of COVID-19,” said the email.
“We continue to operate to and from impacted areas as local conditions and restrictions allow, and are taking recommended precautions in terms of pilot, team member, and customer health and safety.”
FedEx added that “we are closely monitoring guidance by Interior Health, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and other public health organizations, and are taking proper health precautions where warranted.”
It also said it has implemented a number of protocols to limit personal interaction, including suspending physical signature requirements for the vast majority of shipments and providing no-contact pickups and deliveries.