Fraser Health is warning patrons of two Coquitlam bars over possible public exposures to COVID-19.
The first exposure was at The Taphouse Coquitlam at 405 North Road #2, affecting anyone attending the location from 9 p.m. Aug. 1 to 2 a.m. Aug. 2.
In a Facebook post, management of the bar said the exposure relates to one customer who later tested positive for the coronavirus and that, so far, “all of our staff members have stayed healthy.”
The second exposure occurred at Charlie Hamiltons Pub at 1031-1163 Pinetree Way (facing Lincoln Avenue) on Aug 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
We’ve identified two possible public COVID-19 exposures in Coquitlam. If you were at The Taphouse Coquitlam or Charlie Hamiltons Pub on the dates/times listed on our public exposures page, Public Health recommends self-monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19. https://t.co/HPGyL5u3aV pic.twitter.com/RehjMyTVq4
— Fraser Health (@Fraserhealth) August 11, 2020
In both cases, the health authority is warning the public through its new exposure portal, a step it triggers when contact tracers are “unable to reach or identify all potentially exposed via contact tracing.”
However, if you were at either location during the times and dates indicated, it does not necessarily mean you’ll develop the symptoms of COVID-19.
Anyone who visited the the two bars are asked to monitor themselves for symptoms.
“If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, please seek testing and then self-isolate. Please call ahead and wear a mask when seeking testing,” notes Fraser Health.
The Tri-City News has attempted to reach both businesses but has not yet received a reply. But according to promotional material on both bars' social media channels — and an Aug. 10 recorded voice message on Charlie Hamiltons Pub's voice mail — they appear to have remained open in the intervening time.
In its Facebook post, The Taphouse Coquitlam wrote it had not received information about the exposures until recently.
“It is important to mention that we wish this information was shared with us sooner, so we could have shared it with you sooner,” wrote management. “Regardless of this, we are doing everything in our power to trace any possible exposure to our guests and staff members."
Fraser Health advises that there is no risk to anyone who attended either of the establishments outside the flagged dates and times.
The Tri-Cities' latest publically acknowledged exposures come amidst a steady stream of new infections across B.C. In an ominous reversal Tuesday, Aug. 11, B.C. reported more new cases than Ontario (46 versus 33). At 472 infections, the province now has the highest number of active COVID-19 cases in three months.
— with files from Glen Korstrom
