BC records its highest number of COVID-19 cases in single day
Posted August 17, 2020 3:20 pm.
Last Updated August 17, 2020 5:56 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — As the province marks a grim milestone — recording 100 cases of COVID-19 in a single day for the first time — B.C.’s health minister warns that increased enforcement of public health orders is on the way.
Adrian Dix stressed that indoor, private parties are the “greatest danger” as the majority of new cases continue to stem from these events, and present in people between 20 and 40 years old.
“We are continuing to review what can be done about those, we are continuing to engage with people and discourage people from hosting such gatherings,” he said.
“We can not let a few wreck it for everybody else and that is the reason why action is being taken.”
A cross-ministry meeting was held earlier Monday, according to Dix “to map out a more comprehensive approach to increase enforcement.”
Crackdown coming for those breaking the rules, says @adriandix. He says meetings are happening and @mikefarnworthbc will make announcement later this week. “…optimize the use of enforcement officers beyond public health, municipalities, health authorities, WorkSafe and police.”
— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) August 17, 2020
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth is set to make an announcement later this week. Enforcement responsibility will be shared by police, municipal bylaw officers, WorkSafe BC, and public health officials.
“The government wil take further steps to enforce stricter penalties,” Dix said.
Two-hundred-thirty six new cases were announced at Monday’s briefing from Adrian Dix and Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Réka Gustafson, which was the first update in three days.
One hundred cases were recorded Saturday, 88 on Monday and 48 on Monday.
Two more people have died since Friday, bringing the total in the province to 198.
