By Dale Boyd and Lyonel Doherty
Whether it’s a pandemic of fear or a pandemic of reason, everyone is talking about the coronavirus almost every minute of the day.
As a result, local officials and community groups in the South Okanagan are doing their best to keep people accurately informed.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the closure of Canada’s borders to non-residents, except for those travelling from the U.S.
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,” said B.C.’s Health Minister Adrian Dix.
“It’s our strong view and it’s our strong message that visitors from the United States not 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.
Most if not all previously scheduled events in Oliver and Osoyoos have been postponed or cancelled to prevent the spread of the virus. Even provincial courtrooms are limiting operations and postponing trials.
The Oliver Legion has cancelled all events and dinners until further notice, and Frank Venables Theatre has postponed or rescheduled some upcoming events.
The Chronicle was informed on Monday that the Oliver Senior Centre is closed until further notice.
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 regional district is working with Interior Health and municipalities to share response plans and guidelines. It is encouraging people to stay home if they are ill and to disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. And how many times have you heard the hand-washing advice? Too many. And touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands is a cardinal sin now.
The regional district urges people to call 8-1-1 if they believe they have COVID-19 symptoms. Got questions? Call the Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-833-784-4397.
The Town of Oliver is advising people who may be exhibiting symptoms of any virus to refrain from visiting the office.
The Provincial Health Services Authority says all facilities, including long-term care homes in Oliver and Osoyoos, are taking robust steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Media relations officer Jane Campbell said the majority of cases have been mild, however, risk of severe illness increases sharply for people in their 70s and older, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Campbell said long-term care facilities are preparing for the possibility of broader spread of COVID-19 in B.C. She noted that people interacting with residents at seniors’ homes should be aware of the risks.
Oliver Tourism Association manager Ian Lobb expressed concern for the most vulnerable members of the population. But as far as tourism goes, he said it will eventually resume.
“We understand that we are in uncharted waters and have no definitive timelines for when the virus will be contained and travel will resume as normal.”
The coronavirus will also have a significant impact on local agricultural operations, particularly the foreign worker program.
Road 7 farmer Gary Dhaliwal said if they can’t get foreign workers due to cancelled flights and border closures, how are growers supposed to survive?
“We depend on foreign labour. My workers, they’re supposed to be here on the 25th(of March). But I have no idea if they are coming or not.”
When asked what he is going to do if they don’t arrive, he has no idea.
Dhaliwal said he will need approximately 50 people when cherry season starts in July.
Dhaliwal wonders how local packinghouses will be able to process the harvest without workers.
Pinder Dhaliwal, president of the BC Fruit Growers Association, could not be reached for comment.
Rob Zandee, chair of School District No. 53, said they are expecting a formal announcement (on Tuesday) from the Ministry of Education regarding schools. Students are currently on spring break, and the ministry previously stated that it will take this time to decide whether or not to close schools.
“At this time, I can only reiterate that people follow good hygiene practices and stay home if they are not feeling well,” Zandee said.
Meanwhile, the Better Business Bureau is advising people to beware of scams related to the virus, such as fraudulent health products and fake charities.
