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March 22, 2020 - 1:24 PM
A Sun Peaks doctor who tested positive for COVID-19 also has his own practice in downtown Kamloops.
The Sun Peaks municipality originally sent out a notice yesterday afternoon, stating that a COVID-19 case had been reported in the town, but did not reveal who it was.
Since then, Dr. Shane Barclay, the medical director of Sun Peaks Health Centre, has come forward, saying that Dr. Chip Bantock who works at the practice has tested positive for the virus.
Bantock also has his own practice in Kamloops, said Mayor Al Raine.
“At this time, we would like to provide updated information regarding this case for the interest of the community. We can confirm that Dr. Chip Bantock has received confirmation that he has contracted and tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday night, March 20, 2020,” Barclay wrote in a statement posted on the municipality's website.
“We had chosen to keep Dr. Bantock’ s name confidential immediately following the positive test results to give Dr. Bantock the opportunity to contact all patients that may be at risk, to discuss the situation with them directly and appropriately assist them with any fears or anxiety upon hearing the news, rather than through social media or the local grapevine. Dr. Bantock has taken this action. Please be aware he has contacted all patients he feels might have been exposed both personally and professionally. If you have not been contacted by Dr. Bantock you are at no greater risk than you have been to date. That still means social distancing,” Barclay said in the statement.
Barclay said they believe Bantock got the virus while working as a medical professional, but don’t know exactly where it came from.
He urged residents to practice social distancing and said due to the limited number of tests available, formal testing “is currently limited to active medical professionals, hospital in-patients and long-term care residents.”
Bantock is currently recovering at home.
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