Breaking: There are 7 news cases of COVID-19 in BC. Two of the cases are linked to the Lynn Valley Care Centre. There are now 39 cases in BC. #bcpoli
Two new cases in Fraser Health. One is man in 90s, not clear where contact may have been. Currently in hospital. Another is a man in 40s, it is a community case. He is in isolation at home. #bcpoli
Dr. Bonnie Henry says the province is 'hunting' for the causes of the cases not linked to previous cases. Henry says there have been some recoveries, including individual who was in critical condition last week. #bcpoli
Dr. Henry says BC will be asking anyone returning from Italy to self isolate for 14 days. It is the same for those from Iran and originally were provisions in place for those from Hubei province. #bcpoli
Dr. Henry says it's both concerning and reassuring that community cases are being picked up. Says there are not a lot of cases out there 'we are missing'. Province will be ramping up tests. More details about to come from @adriandix. #bcpoli
Dr. Henry says BC has helped fund two new studies to better understand spread of COVID-19. "It is something that will help us better in the future." #bcpoli
On mass gatherings, Dr. Henry says there is a process for risk assessment. The documents is available on CDC website. Speaks to what organizers are doing and whether the event is inside or outdoors. #bcpoli
Dr. Henry says outdoor events have much lower risks than indoor. Packaged, individual meals are safer than buffets. 'Most of our risk is around travel, including travel to Washington state." #bcpoli
Dr. Henry says the most important thing is staying away from others if you are sick. "It's important to do work or schooling from home" if necessary. #bcpoli
Adrian Dix says 16 of the 39 cases COVID-19 are linked to Iran. #bcpoli
Still no cases on Vancouver Island. #bcpoli
Dix says there were staffing issues at Lynn Valley Care Centre. Says today there was a full complement of workers and the issues have been dealt with. #bcpoli
Dix asks the news media to not bother family or workers going into the Lynn Valley Care Centre. He says it will allow for work to be done and protect privacy. "Treat the people involved with respect". #bcpoli
Dix says 811 normally received 1,200 a week. This week there have been 3,800 calls to 811. Dix says the number of nurses are going up and a new call centre being set up by end of the week. #bcpoli
Deputy Ministers committee announced last week is meeting now for the first time. The first task is to increase communications to public and through government. #bcpoli
Dix says you will see increased testing capacity in communities across BC. Speaks again about enormous amount of testing. "We do the most testing out of any jurisdictions in Canada." #bcpoli
On spring break family trips, Henry says everyone has to do individual risk assessment. "We know international travel is very risk, it may be caught up in measures put up very suddenly. My advice is to be very aware of where you are going." #bcpoli
Henry says travel within BC is very safe. #bcpoli
On testing, Dr. Henry says self-isolate and stay at home. Says if you have symptoms that need testing call in advance or call 811. #bcpoli
Dix says there is one case in Interior Health. #bcpoli
Here is the document Dr. Henry mentioned about large events and mass gatherings. #bcpoli cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…
Henry repeats again her thoughts cruise ship season should be delayed. Says the expectation is we will hear more this later this week. #bcpoli
On specialized COVID-19 virus clinics, Dr. Henry says each community is assessing. Some communities are looking at more innovate ways to test. #bcpoli
Dix says there are three cases in acute care now. Says two people left hospital today who were there with COVID-19. #bcpoli
On Washington state travel, Dr. Henry says "I have not changed my assessment on risk to Washington state". Says colleagues south of the border are playing catch up. #bcpoli
On community cases and people getting anxious, Dr. Henry says surveillance is working and 'when we know about them, we can do something about them'. #bcpoli
On Federal government compensation, Dr. Henry says it's really important people feel they can self isolate and have economic means to do so. "I'm looking forward to federal government coming in with measures." #bcpoli
On cases where there are minimal flu symptom, Dr. Henry says she is watching this very closely and transmission can happen very early on. #bcpoli
On big sporting events, Dr. Henry says they are assessing the works curling championships heading to Prince George. Looking at ability to protect people and where teams were before the event. #bcpoli
Dr. Henry says don’t do to the sporting events if you are not feeling well. Dix says if you are sick, you can watch it on TV. #bcpoli
On Vaisakhi parades and events, Dix says the health authorities will be engaged on dealing with the events. “It’s a little distance away”. Hoping event organizers engage with health authorities. #bcpoli
On 811 call centre, Dix says the new call centre is to divert other calls. It’s to relief burden on 811 line. #bcpoli
Threshold for community outbreak, Henry says they are in active discussions abo setting a number but one has not been set yet. #bcpoli
