Update (August 10): The dates for these potential COVID-19 exposure incidents have since expanded. For more information, see this article.

Original article (August 8):

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) announced yesterday and today (August 7 and 8) that three potential COVID-19 incidents have recently taken place at food and beverage or nightlife businesses in Yaletown and the West End.

The first took place at the LGBT establishment PumpJack Pub (1167 Davie Street) in the Davie Village.

Pumpjack general manager Byron Cooke stated on the bar’s social media that they were informed about a low-risk exposure incident at their location involving a patron who limited social interactions to individuals within their social circle but also spoke with two unknown individuals.

Staff members are being asked to self-monitor for symptoms. In addition, any staff who feels uncomfortable returning to work are being given time off.

Cooke stated that PumpJack implemented safety measures upon reopening on May 21, including having the premises cleaned and steamed regularly,

Anyone who was at the location from midnight on July 31 to 2 a.m. on August 1 may have been affected.

Cooke also stated that VCH did not contact them prior to the public alert and did not ask for their patron log sheets, which PumpJack will ask VCH if they want them.

This is the third potential COVID-19 exposure event to be reported on Davie Street in recent weeks.

Previously, there was an incident at Sandman Suites at 1160 Davie Street from July 7 to 16. Also, a staff member who was at the 7-Eleven at 904 Davie Street, between the West End and Yaletown, on July 28 was reported to have tested positive.

Meanwhile, potential exposure incidents also occurred at Pierre’s Champagne Lounge at 1028 Hamilton Street and at West Oak Restaurant at 1035 Mainland Street in Yaletown.

Anyone who was at these two venues during the evening or late-night hours from July 31 to August 3 may have been affected.

Those who were at any of these three locations during the specified times and dates should reduce their in-person contact with others and monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days after the date of the visit to the location.

Anyone who develops symptoms should immediately self-isolate and call 811 to arrange for testing.

On August 7, Surrey RCMP announced the arrest of a 40-year-old male suspect who was allegedly organizing illegal parties and is believed to be connected to Surrey's Hookah Lounge where a COVID-19 exposure incident took place on August 2.

In the wake of several public exposure events taking place at nightlife venues in Vancouver, B.C. provincial health officer announced new amendments on July 28 to health guidelines for food and beverage establishments, including assigned seating, no dance floors, and no self-service.

An experiment conducted by Japanese broadcaster NHK and health officials illustrates how viruses can rapidly spread in self-serve food establishments or parties when health precautions aren't practised—and how that spread can be prevented by health measures.