By Lyonel Doherty
Recent community outbreaks of COVID-19 are driving up infection rates in B.C.
“We’re continuing to experience new community outbreaks, and that is very concerning to me,” said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry in today’s update.
She reported 71 new cases of COVID-19, some of which are reflected in the recent outbreak in the United Poultry factory in Vancouver.
This brings the total number of cases to 1,795 in B.C., including 153 (unchanged) in the Interior Health region.
Henry reported there are three new outbreaks in long-term care facilities, bringing the total to 20. But she did note that four long-term care outbreaks have been declared over.
There are 77 cases of the virus in the Mission correctional centre that have put five inmates in hospital.
In total, there are 103 British Columbians in hospital with COVID-19, including 46 in critical care.
Henry reported an additional three deaths in the province, bringing the total to 90. Nearly 1,080 people have fully recovered from the virus.
Henry said the new outbreaks in B.C. proves that more work needs to be done by everyone to break these chains of transmission.
“We can’t afford any weaknesses in our firewall.”
She acknowledged that people are tired of staying apart from loved ones and tired of not being able to attend events. But a decline in new cases and outbreaks is needed before the government eases up on public restrictions, she pointed out.
“Until we clear these hurdles, we can’t begin to make changes,” said Henry, who once again urged people to stay home if they are sick, even if they have the sniffles from a mild cold.
Henry also urged employers to have measures in place to keep their workers safe and not to penalize them if they are ill and need to stay home.
She stated that businesses that are planning to reopen must ensure they can do so without putting anyone in danger.
Health Minister Adrian Dix said workers can no longer wear that brave face and go into work feeling ill. The new reality is you stay home. Period.
During question period. Henry was asked to shed more light on the United Poultry outbreak. She said an inspection revealed that a number of workers in the facility were ill with respiratory symptoms and had subsequently tested positive for the virus. The factory has since shut down and the workers are in isolation.
Henry was also asked if she foresees long-term care homes opening up for visitations in May. She said they hope to allow one family member to visit their loved ones, depending on the circumstances.
The last question focused on her thoughts about a “second wave” of the virus as predicted in the United States.
Henry said they don’t know yet if COVID-19 will be seasonal, but she did say the regular influenza virus will certainly complicate things this fall.
