Thread by @LizaYuzda

Six new #COVIDー19 in bc
2 related to Iran travel
2 in 60s from princess cruise 11-21 feb trip - Fraser health region - stable but in hosp for observation
More may test positive who were on that cruise
2 most concerning - residents of Lynn valley care centre
#bcpoli

Dr Bonnie Henry says the two positive tests in the care home leading to large investigation into residents and workers and what contact they’ve had.
And there are restrictions on that facility now for who is in and out.
#bcpoli #COVIDー19

Four recovered
The icu patient stable
2 I
All others in isolation
Also those with contact in isolation
“We are in an extraordinary situation” - Henry says - if you are sick stay home, keep your kids home.
But know that not everyone who is sick has #COVIDー19

Henry with her most dire #COVIDー19 warning yet.
Reconsider gatherings - consider having virtual gatherings - I think she just broke down a little.
Shaking hands not hugging and kissing.
Cruise ships are high risk and recommends forgoing that kind of travel
#bcoli

This is the first time I’ve heard dr Henry tell people to reconsider large gatherings - particularly if there are people at high risk (elderly, immune suppressed) of #COVIDー19 and telling people they are *not safe on cruises* #bcpoli

Health min @adriandix reiterates: do not go on a cruise right now.
He also says so far with #COVIDー19
No mortality among children. Little mortality under 50 in hardest hit area of China.
#bcpoli

Health min @adriandix expressing his respect for care workers - those on the front lines caring for those most at risk.
And he says this is a global issue:
What happens in Tehran, what happens on cruise ships, in Seattle, everywhere matters here.
#COVIDー19 #bcpoli

If having church/comm services tomorrow , @adriandix says do social distancing. Don’t hug.
He says now we must also seriously consider how our actions affect those most at risk. Stay home/away of sick.
#COVIDー19 #bcpoli

Now taking questions:
Regular reporting @adriandix says is because we will be dealing with this in the weeks/months to come.
Before ppl saw this as problem elsewhere, he says, This is a problem here.
#COVIDー19 #bcpoli

.@adriandix was asked about criticism that some may reports in media is blowing #COVIDー19 out of proportion.
He says the messages of hand washing, self isolating are key.
And also steady facts and accurate information quiet rumour. #bcpoli

“The critical part is to require to provide information” - @adriandix says speaking of the health response to #COVIDー19 to calm fears and give ppl info to protect themselves and others.
“We need to take action on a collective basis” -Dr Henry.
#bcpoli

Q about why wa state declaring state of emergency and we’re not. This was asked the other day - @adriandix explains again that the us has to do that for additional powers. BC has power needed under health at to do work/investigations needed. #bcpoli #COVIDー19

Re large gatherings like #sevens when being told not to go to church. Henry says ppl who are going to these things it is important to stay away if sick. #bcpoli #COVIDー19

Henry talking asking about tearing up earlier in this presser and she breaks down again saying she’s been through SARS, through Ebola, she knows the stress of pandemics On people, on health care workers on the health care system. #bcpoli #COVIDー19

125+ ppl from BC returned from the princess cruise - 2 now #COVIDー19 positive in hospital- the rest in self isolation. (That’s the ship now off coast of San Fran with 230ish cdns on board)

Re #sevens if you’re sick stay home and watch on tv.
#bcpoli

Re the care home, Henry says they have processes and procedures always in place for outbreaks beyond #COVIDー19
But she says this is a challenging time - for staff, residents and families - as work to break the chain of transmission.
#bcpoli

About area surrounding care home - Henry says you must be in close contact while ill to catch #COVIDー19. Walking down the street next to someone isn’t the issue close contact is. - not spread via air but via droplets from someone who is ill. #bcpoli