B.C. remains in ‘containment phase’ for COVID-19
Posted March 2, 2020 7:59 pm.
Last Updated March 4, 2020 10:40 am.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — Testing for COVID-19 has been stepped up in B.C. where the number of cases identified remains at eight.
Provincial Health Officer, Doctor Bonnie Henry, says the focus right now remains on containing the virus.
She says there are are no plans to keep the virus from spreading by cancelling local conventions or sporting events.
“There is a very detailed risk assessment, and many of the international, particularly the international sporting organizations, are using the WHO guidance, and so there is quite a lot of detail on that,” she says.
While no deaths have been recorded in Canada, as of Monday evening, the Seattle area officials have reported at least four COVID-19 related deaths bringing the U.S. death total to six.
“People need to make their own risk assessment, and they need to take the precautions they would normally take,” she advised British Columbians.
“So cleaning your hands regularly, covering your mouth when you cough, don’t go if you are sick your self and stay home.”
WATCH: How effective is self-isolation?
On Monday evening, the Minister of Health, Adrian Dix and Henry issued a joint statement addressing the toll the virus has had on Washington state.
“We send our condolences to our neighbours in Washington state, especially to the families who have lost loved ones. We have offered our support to Washington state’s public health officials as we co-ordinate our response to COVID-19,” the statement read.
Screening measures are being stepped up for anyone who’s been to China, Iran and other countries where several people have also died.