Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr.
Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint
statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in
British Columbia:
“We are announcing nine new cases of
COVID-19, for a total of 73 cases in British Columbia. The individuals are in
the Vancouver Coastal, Fraser and Interior health regions, and were confirmed
positive based on BC Centre for Disease Control testing.
“Five cases are connected to a cluster at the
Lynn Valley Care Centre, one case is linked to travel from Portugal and the
remaining three cases are under investigation.
“Public health teams continue to be on site
at both the Lynn Valley Care Centre and the Hollyburn House Retirement
Residence, working to contain potential transmission to other residents and
workers.
“From the outset, we have been proactive in
our efforts. Our approach has been to get ahead of increasing risks and do all
we can to break the chains of transmission, and we will continue to do so.
“We are adapting our testing strategy to
respond to the situation here in B.C. to ensure all who get sick can get the
testing they need.
“We would like to be clear that testing is
available for all who need it, but not everyone requires a test. If you have no
symptoms, mild symptoms, or are a returning traveller and isolating at home,
you do not require a test.
“We are continuing to test those who are part
of an active investigation or outbreak cluster, those with severe illness who
are hospitalized, residents of long-term care facilities and health-care
workers.
“We ask all British Columbians to be measured
in their purchase of groceries and other basic necessities. Our retail
supply-chain providers have assured us they have an abundance of supply and are
restocking regularly. There is no need to stockpile.
“If you have questions about self-isolating,
caring for yourself and your family, and whether you may require a test,
the BC Center for Disease Control (BCDC) website continues to be an important first point for the latest
information: http://bccdc.ca”
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