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Editor’s note: The Osoyoos Times will be monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts locally. Information is rapidly changing. We are working to update this story and others as they unfold and information may change in the coming days. Keep up to date with the BC Centre for Disease Control 

Dale Boyd and Lyonel Doherty

Osoyoos Times 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the closure of Canada’s borders to non-residents except for those travelling from the U.S. Monday morning, a decision B.C.’s health minister disagreed with telling U.S. travellers to Canada “don’t come.”

Exceptions to the travel ban include air crew, diplomats and immediate family members of citizens.

B.C.’s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 30 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. Monday morning bringing the total in the province to over 103. Three additional deaths, all residents in the Lynn Valley Care Centre in the Lower Mainland, were reported Monday raising the total number of deaths in B.C. to four.

“We remain concerned that access to visitors from the United States continues to be allowed,” Adrian Dix, B.C.’s health minister said.

“It’s our strong view and it’s our strong message that visitors from the United States not to come to British Columbia. Don’t come because at this moment that is the wrong thing to do,” Dix said. “We understand people are being asked to self isolate, but better than being self-isolated for visitors is not to come.”

 

Hospitals in B.C. are now being ordered to only undertake “urgent and emergency procedures,” and postpone all non-essential surgeries Dix said, in anticipation of greater need of beds and resources in the upcoming weeks.

The College of Pharmacists of B.C. was directed to refill prescriptions without an additional doctor’s note, Dix said.

Dr. Henry said it is important to remain connected to seniors who may experience more isolation due to the measures being taken to prevent the spread of the virus.

“We’ll also be stepping up the protection of our most vulnerable in our communities. In our long-term care homes and protecting our seniors as best we can,” Henry said. “That will mean we have to run the risk that seniors will become less connected to others in the community and I’m asking for people to step up and help us communicate with our seniors.”

• Read more: BC Government joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response and latest updates

Gatherings expecting more than 50 people have been advised to cancel, Henry said.

“This is not forever, but this is important for now and for the foreseeable future, for the next few weeks,” Henry said.

A second case was identified in the Interior Health region last week, which was travel related. Kelowna International Airport (YLW) was advised March 15 that a passenger on WestJet flight WS 3326 from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to YLW had “tested positive for COVID-19. All passengers of flight WS 3326 disembarked in Kelowna,” reads an email statement from YLW.

“YLW is sharing this information to keep the community informed about the possibility of virus transmission.”

Guests in the affected rows 10 to 14 are considered close contacts and may be at risk of exposure, YLW advised. Public health officials are advising other guests of WS3326 on March 10 are “not required to self-isolate, but should self-monitor for 14 days after arrival in Kelowna as a precaution,” the statement reads.

• Read more: Schools remain open in South Okanagan as authorities monitor pandemic

Canadian citizens currently abroad will be provided with assistance getting home from the federal government, the prime minister said while addressing the nation Monday.

Only four airports: Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver International Airports will remain in operation for international travel and airlines are now screening every passenger. B.C. Casinos have been closed across the province as well.

Local impact and cancellations

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is advising people to stay home if they are sick and to disinfect frequently touched surfaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Okanagan Regional Library branches are closed until further notice and the Oliver Senior Centre is closed. BC Provincial Courts stated that it is reducing court operations while ensuring meaningful access to the court for those with urgent matters. The Osoyoos United Church Thrift Shop announced it would be closed until further notice on Facebook Monday.

Most if not all previously scheduled events in Oliver and Osoyoos have been postponed or cancelled to prevent the spread of the virus. The Oliver Legion has cancelled all events and dinners until further notice.

Nk’Mip RV Park announced on Facebook it will not be taking any guests, reservation or not and guests should call the front desk for a refund.

Oliver Parks and Recreation manager Carol Sheridan said staff are taking all of the recommended precautions and have erected signage for the public. She noted that all programs and events will continue as scheduled until they are informed otherwise by Interior Health.

“Society staff is ensuring an increased level of communication about COVID-19 with facility users, program leaders, parents and event organizers so everyone can make informed decisions and stay healthy,” Sheridan said.

The Venables Theatre in Oliver has rescheduled the upcoming Montreal Guitar Trio concert to Nov. 30. Elvis on Tour live has been postponed indefinitely, originally scheduled for April 10, and refunds are being issued. Herb Dixon, scheduled for May 9, has been postponed indefinitely and refunds are being issued. Box office hours from Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. remain in effect at the theatre.

“We will inform you of the status of our shows in April as soon as possible,” a statement on the Venables Theatre website reads. “We are working with the artists and promoters for the remaining shows and will keep our patrons updated as more information becomes available.”

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson said the people of B.C. “cannot be complacent, or rely upon hospitals and health care workers as the only way to deal with this epidemic.”

“As a community, each of us have a responsibility to those most vulnerable to this virus – those with compromised immunity and seniors. In addition to the risk from the virus, we must consider the anxiety and isolation that the next few weeks will bring to many of our neighbours. This is especially true of seniors living on their own. Please make a point of contacting your neighbours, without getting too close, and checking that they are OK. If all of us call one of our immediate neighbours every day, we will have a safer and healthier community,” Larson said in a statement.

The RDOS is monitoring the pandemic and working with Interior Health to provide accurate information. In addition, it is collaborating with local and Indigenous governments throughout the nine electoral areas to share response plans and guidelines.

• Read more: BC’s Pandemic Provincial Coordination Plan

The RDOS says all residents should observe the same precautions used when avoiding contact with regular cold or influenza: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use inside of your elbow. Stay home if you are feeling ill. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19 you should immediately call 8-1-1 for an assessment. The Public Health Agency of Canada has established a toll-free telephone number to answer questions about COVID-19: 1-833-784-4397.

BC Government information: 

To view the provincial health officer’s order on mass gatherings, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics

For more information on B.C.’s updated testing strategy and self-isolation, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing-isolation

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)

For the COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and planning materials, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/pandemic-influenza.

For more information and latest updates on COVID-19, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit the centre’s website: http://www.bccdc.ca/

For the latest audio clips of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit: https://soundcloud.com/bcgov