By Lyonel Doherty
Got a question about COVID-19? It was probably answered at last Friday’s regional Town Hall meeting.
A virtual question and answer session was hosted by MLAs Norm Letnick and Katrine Conroy, with special guests Interior Health CEO Susan Brown and Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Sue Pollock.
The first question was why don’t health officials disclose how many COVID-19 cases there are in each community?
Brown said privacy is very important, particularly in small communities.
She noted they want people to feel free to step forward and be tested for the virus without the stigma of being identified.
“It has paid off for us; we’ve tested more than 60,000 (people) in the province.”
Another question focused on virus testing, with Pollock saying the strategy has now evolved to include anyone with symptoms of COVID-19to ensure no cases are missed.
Is Interior Health preparing for a second wave (more cases) of the virus this fall?
Pollock said they are likely to see a reduction in cases this summer, but can’t predict if COVID-19 will reappear in the fall like other viruses do.
Questions were also asked about the effectiveness of the two-metre distancing rule, easing public restrictions and people becoming complacent as the pandemic curve starts to flatten.
Pollock said any easing of restrictions must be slow and measured, adding they must continually rely on people to “do the right thing and listen to the advice.”
She stated the virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets that are quite heavy and can travel six feet, landing on people and surfaces.
So, should people avoid socializing even at six feet apart?
Brown advised people to be really aware of their surroundings and keep boundaries in mind. If you have a social distancing party, take your own chair and don’t touch anything that’s not yours. Also, make sure your kids aren’t running around between other people.
Can (should) grandparents hold their baby grandchildren during the pandemic?
Brown said if they live in the same house, that’s fine. But if they don’t, the answer is no.
“It’s a hard one because people have sacrificed so much, she said.
Another resident asked if it is acceptable to travel between provinces to visit family members.
Pollock said people should avoid all non-essential travel, adding there are different pandemic curves in provinces, such as Quebec and Ontario.
“We’re encouraging people to wait longer and find other ways to connect.”
How can you stay safe in the home while looking after a family member with COVID-19?
Pollock said the infected person should wear a mask and be isolated in a room, preferably with a toilet. She noted there should be no interaction with other family members.
Pollock noted that cloth masks are now a permissive use among the public, but they don’t effectively protect you from getting the virus from someone else.
Another town hall participant asked about access to primary care for non-virus issues. How do you seek care without risking a long lineup at a clinic?
Brown said doctors are offering virtual appointments, but if it’s urgent, you need to go to your hospital’s emergency department.
Why aren’t elective surgeries being continued when COVID-19 case numbers are trending downward?
Brown said these surgeries are still on hold in case the province experiences a surge in coronavirus cases.
A question was asked about golf courses and why they are allowed to re-open.
Pollock said many have remained closed, but those that are operating are expected to follow health orders, such as physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and handwashing stations. She added that restaurants within these golf courses are not permitted to open.
What is being done to protect farm workers from overcrowded housing conditions?
Pollock said self-isolation for 14 days is required when moving to a more permanent location. She noted Interior Health needs to be informed so they can work with these farms to ensure the regulations are followed.
Another person asked if it is safe to clean someone else’s home during the pandemic.
Pollock said it depends on the clientele and the situation. She noted that housekeepers would be at greater risk if they cleaned multiple homes. She recommended that the owner not be home while the cleaner is doing the job.
Will restaurants offer dine-in services soon?
Pollock said the industry is looking at precautions such as spacing tables out and minimizing the number of customers.
Someone asked a question about single-site health care workers and when Interior Health will ensure this order is followed across the region.
Brown said they are phasing it in but they have to do it thoughtfully so that workers are able to maintain their hours.
Are there any virus-free communities out there and will they remain so?
Brown said people have to assume that the virus exists where they live. In fact, thinking the virus is not in your community would give you a false sense of security, she pointed out.
How safe are taxi drivers and their passengers during the pandemic?
Pollock recommended people sit in the back of the vehicle. She noted it is expected that taxi cabs are cleaned and disinfected regularly. And if you are sick you shouldn’t be in a taxi; you should be at home self-isolating, she pointed out.
Someone asked if it is safe for one isolated person to visit another isolated person?
Pollock said you need to maintain physical distancing of six feet.
Could COVID-19 disappear like the SARS virus?
Pollock said she believes it will be around for quite some time until there is a vaccine.
