The Blue Grotto on Victoria Street in Kamloops.

Image Credit: GOOGLE STREET VIEW

Several COVID cases have resulted from a concert that took place at the Blue Grotto Nightclub in Kamloops, Oct. 14, and anyone who attended the concert is being asked to self-isolate and get tested as soon as possible.

“Three out of 51 attendees and four out of 13 band members have tested positive for the virus,” the club's owner David Pup Johnston said. “This includes one of my waitresses and my floor manager. My staff started calling in to report being sick on Tuesday. Our staff members are being tested this week.”

Johnstone said all protocols were in place including the checking of vaccination passports, masking, sanitizing and keeping groups spread far apart.

READ MORE: B.C. COVID case counts continue upward trend

“Vaccinated people can still carry the virus but if we are vaccinated and we do get sick, we won’t get as sick and tax the health-care system,” he said.

Johnstone said he didn’t want to open this soon but was hurting financially. He said he did not expect to go unscathed by the virus and has put on five shows this year without incident.

“We have had some great punk rock and comedy shows here, but for this one COVID came in and despite our best efforts it seemed to be a concentrated event,” he said. “I was prepared to pull the pin if I had to and I have. My concern is for my staff and patrons, they are more important than money.”

Johnstone said he has cancelled this weekend’s event while his employees are self-isolating but is hoping to open for another event on Halloween.

READ MORE: When Canadians wanted to move during COVID, most chose B.C.

"There is no preventing COVID but you can mitigate the damage of it," he said. "No one wants to be the captain in this situation, but I don’t see the benefit of keeping quiet, I stay transparent.”

Johnstone said he is still waiting to see the entire fallout from this incident but is remaining positive while he follows the advice of Interior Health.

He is thankful the ongoing support from many long-time Kamloops customers.

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