Bylands overwhelmed with community support for workers involved in COVID-19 outbreak

Just over one week ago, Interior Health announced an outbreak of COVID-19 at Bylands Nurseries in West Kelowna.

The group of 63 temporary foreign workers and 12 domestic employees had 19 positive tests and were all quarantined at housing on the Bylands property.

In a time where there’s a lot of fear and uncertainty, the public reaction could have gone many ways, but the nursery says that there’s been nothing by “overwhelming, incredible support.”

“Many of you have reached out to offer help, food or general support for our seasonal guest workers - thank you,” said a statement on Facebook from Bylands on Tuesday.

“Your generous offers have been communicated or provided to our workers, and this has helped with their morale and feeling of belonging in the community.”

The statement continues to say that “many of you have reassured us that you are partners in our business, regardless of good and bad times – thank you.”

Many have also reached out to Bylands with their own words of support and compassion, which the nursery says has helped the family business through the most difficult times.

As for an update on the workers affected, Bylands says they are at home resting and everyone appears to be recovering well.

“Symptoms are resolving, and many of the workers are reporting their readiness and willingness to come back to work when they can,” the Facebook post informed.

The management team at Bylands has turned its focus to distributing the proper nutritious and culturally appropriate food to all of those isolating or recovering from COVID-19.

Bylands also continues to work closely with Interior Health to support these individuals and ensure the company’s sanitation process, operational practices and employee housing situations meet or exceed expectations.