Outbreak declared at B.C. dance academy as 26 test positive for COVID-19

Twenty-six cases of COVID-19 have now been linked to a dance studio for children in Chilliwack, B.C.

On Monday, Fraser Health declared an outbreak of the novel coronavirus at Capella Dance Academy, according to a news release.

The academy closed voluntarily on Oct. 28, and those who havebeen identified as close contacts of positive cases have been instructed to self-isolate.

"Fraser Health will inspect the site and we are continuing to work with the dance academy to strengthen their COVID-19 mitigation strategies," the news release says.

Public health officials are also working with local school districts in case any students have been exposed to the virus.

The news comes as COVID-19 numbers continue to set new records in B.C., with the majority of the1,120 new cases announced Monday located in the Fraser Health region.

Dr. Reka Gustafson, B.C.'s deputy provincial health officer, told CBC she could not comment on the outbreak specifically, but did say that most of the time, virustransmission occurs within a social network through informal gatherings.

"Often, when we name a particular venue, a particular organization, it actually represents a group of people who are friends, are social contacts and who interact in multiple ways, informal ways, throughout the day," said Gustafsonon CBC's The Early Editionon Tuesday.