By Lyonel Doherty

Provincial authorities are stressing again that social distancing is paramount to putting a stop to COVID-19.

That’s what Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix said today during the latest update on the coronavirus.

For the most part, people are adhering to the two-metre distancing rule, but some are still congregating in groups and can transmit the disease, even with mild symptoms, Henry said.

She recommended only going outside in small groups consisting of family members, not neighbours or acquaintances.

“Every day that you stay distanced from others . . . cleaning hands, covering your mouth when you cough . . . the more we do this the better prepared we will be in the coming days and weeks,” Henry said.

She reported there are 48 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., with a total of 472 positive tests, including 30 in the Interior Health region.

Henry was saddened to report three additional deaths due to the virus.

She did note that 100 people have recovered, which is a “really good thing to put in our books.”

Henry said they continue to conduct testing for people who really need it, noting the backlog is mostly resolved. She noted the focus of the testing has been on health care workers and people with medical conditions.

Henry said they recognize that people with symptoms may have the disease, but that “doesn’t mean everyone needs to be tested.”

Dix said they are conducting between 3,300 and 3,600 tests per day.

Henry acknowledged that the virus is still spreading in communities, proven by the number of positive tests every day.

That’s why 100 per cent of compliance is necessary, she and Dix urged.

“If you’re sick, no matter who you are, you have to stay home,” he stressed.

During question period, Henry said cloth masks that some people are making at home are not very effective. And she confirmed that young people are not immune to COVID-19. They can easily bring the virus home.

Henry said essential businesses like grocery stores, banks and pharmacies need to really focus on distancing measures, which she has seen being done diligently.

One reporter asked if you see people breaking the distancing rules in the neighbourhood, should you report it to police?

Henry said it may be appropriate to do so if you see something flagrant going on.

“We’re not seeing a lot of that, she noted.

The Chronicle requested more information about the COVID-19 testing process in B.C.

The Ministry of Health said the province is following the testing protocols as outlined on the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

The ministry noted that testing (throat swab) is available for all who need it, but not everyone requires a test.

“If an individual has no symptoms, mild symptoms or is a returning traveller self-isolating at home, they do not require a test.”

If an individual develops new or worsening symptoms, the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool online can help determine if further assessment or testing for COVID-19 is required.

The ministry said people being tested include individuals who arehospitalized or likely to be hospitalized; health care workers; residents of long-term care facilities; and those who are part of an investigation of a cluster or outbreak.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are like other respiratory illnesses. Commonly, these are fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose and shortness of breath.

Individuals with mild symptoms are asked to self-isolate for 14 days and self-monitor for new or worsening symptoms.

People have been reporting that they can’t get through to the government’s 811 HealthLinkBC line, which has been answering 3,000 to 4,000 calls per day.

The ministry said a new line has been set up to assist people with their questions about COVID-19: 1-800-COVID-19