Thread by @richardzussman

BREAKING - Dr. Bonnie Henry announces 40 new cases of COVID-19. One more person has died from the virus in BC. There are now 271 cases. 152 in Vancouver Coastal Health. 81 in Fraser Health. 22 in Island Health. 12 in Interior and 4 in Northern Health. #bcpoli #COVID19

The latest death is also from the Lynn Valley Care Centre. There are still only 2 cases at Hollyburn care centre. #bcpoli #covid19

Dr. Henry says these measures ARE NOT OPTIONAL. Everyone has to take this advice. "It will protect ourselves, it will protect our communities." #bcpoli #COVID19

Dr. Henry speaks about virtual coffee dates, taking food and goodies to others. "These are really important to keeping us connected and we want to make sure we are not isolating our most vulnerable." #bcpoli

Dr. Henry says there are many things available online for people including museum visits, art gallery visits, music, exercise classes. "This is a really critical time for us. This is the time we have to build the firewall." #bcpoli #COVID19

Health Minister Adrian Dix sending condolences to the friends and family of the person who just died from COVID-19. #bcpoli #COVID19

Weekly testing number will be released by the province tomorrow. #bcpoli #COVID19

BREAKING - MSP wait period will be waved for those returning to BC from outside of province or outside the country who have been out longer than allowed. #bcpoli #COVID19

Dix says 811 has been a lifeline for many "answering thousands of calls a days." 1-888-COVID19 received 1,895 calls yesterday. There have been 1.15 million visits to the online self assessment tool for the virus. #bcpoli #COVID19

Dix speaks to the huge spike in blood donors in the province. Dr. Henry called for blood donors yesterday. The PM called for donors today. #bcpoli #COVID19

Dix: "We need to do what we are asked to do. We need to do it 100 per cent. We need to do it until we are told to stop." #COVID19 #bcpoli

On new ventilators, Dix says they will announce when all materials arrive and not just ones that are ordered. #bcpoli #COVID19

On modeling, Dix says the information will be changed with the public as early as next week. #bcpoli #COVID19

On should people go to the store, Dr. Henry says this is not a normal time. Not encouraging people to go to the store. "This is a time to lay low. We want you to stay home. This is not business as usual." #bcpoli #COVID19

Dr. Henry says if you are NOT required to isolate you can go outside a little bit and get some fresh air. "It's important for our mental health and maintain distance. This is not about everyone getting together." #bcpoli #covid19

On dentistry work, Dr. Henry says the College advice is good and dentists should only be providing emergency service. She reminds dentists there are social distancing rules in place. #bcpoli #COVID19

On funding daycare, Dr. Henry says all children should be home with their families now. Province wants to make sure daycare service is there. Says policies are still coming to support early childhood educators so that people do not lose their spaces. #bcpoli

On hair salons and barber shops remaining open, Dr. Henry says the distance order is very black and white. The most important criteria is protecting seniors and keeping distance. #covid19 #bcpoli

Parents are very worried, especially in Metro Van, of losing childcare spots they have waited on wait-lists for years for. It seems like the government is ready to act to ensure people can keep spots even if they remove kids temporarily. #bcpoli #COVID19

Dr. Henry says we are still on the upswing and it's important to take those social distancing policies seriously. #bcpoli #COVID19

On mental health of all British Columbians, Dr. Henry says it is very concerning for her. Says it can strain relationships, can lead to drinking or self medicating. "The sun comes up and we realize there are things we can do to support each other." #bcpoli #COVID19

Dix says the social isolation is especially hard for seniors. Says the Seniors advocate and province will be announcing plans tomorrow to support non profits and charities to help seniors and people who are sick. #bcpoli #COVID19

Supporting women's shelters, Dr. Henry says there are community level supports in all health authorities. There are concerns about increases of domestic violence with people in self isolation in some cases with an abusive spouse or partner. #bcpoli #COVID19

On grocery stores reducing hours, Dr. Henry says its important to ensure staff are rested and supported and also ensures control of who is going through the store (ie. special hours for seniors) #bcpoli #COVID19

Dix says we need to "but what we need, not what we want." The province reiterates again that supply lines are good. #bcpoli #covid19

On bars and pubs not closing, Dr, Henry says all liquor primary must close. Some pubs may have a restaurant primary and can remain open but distancing must happen and must stay at less than 50 people. #bcpoli #covid19

On Lions Gates Hospital, Dr. Henry says the incubation period is up to 14 days and there are severe restrictions around the hospital. It was announced a few days ago all but emergency services are closed at the hospital. #bcpoli #covid19

On testing waits, Dr. Henry says they are testing as many people as possible THAT REQUIRE A TEST. Says this is a transition period with new equipment coming on board. #bcpoli #COVID19

On enforcement of those breaking closure rules, Dr. Henry says most people are following the law. The province is issuing a warning on the first offence. "It is one of those things when we ask them to do what they need to do most people are doing that." #bcpoli #covid19

On closing playgrounds, Dr. Henry says a group of kids should not mingle on a playground. Parents should not be letting kids go out with groups of children. #covid19 #bcpoli

On people still going to beach and hanging out with friends, Dr. Henry says people are still getting used to this. "It's challenging to young people especially when we don't feel the risks ourselves." #bcpoli #covid19

On myths and rumours linked to COVID-19 and UV light, Dr. Henry says the rumours often come from science but are misinterpreted. Says hot yoga is a perfect place to spread the virus. #bcpoli #covid19

Dr. Henry speaking on the Ibuprofen issue. Says there is not evidence that use of anti-inflammatories has any detrimental effects on those with COVID19. #bcpoli #covid19

Dix: "There is no cure or vaccine. If people are saying there is a cure on your social media, block them and stop following them." #bcpoli #covid19

People not following the social distancing requirement and moving to bans of activities," Dr. Henry says we are watching this very closely. "We have the legal authority to enforce this." #bcpoli #covid19

That is a wrap on today. Tomorrow there will be an update from Seniors Advocate and another update from Dr. Bonnie Henry/Adrian Dix. #bcpoli #covid19