Horgan begins the press conference first to speak about the "senseless North Shore violence... I cannot express my sorrow for the people involved."
Now onto COVID-19: Premier Horgan says there have been a number of challenges: cases are "unacceptably high.” Percentage of positive tests up about 50 per cent in some regions. Ages 20-39 ARE putting the rest of us at risk “do not blow this for the rest of us”
#COVID19BC
#COVID19BC
Second issue, according to Horgan: eligibility for Astra Zeneca vaccine- Sources have told CBC that NACI intends to pause the use of AstraZeneca in people under the age of 55 following reports of rare blood clots in some immunized patients.
New cases in last 24 hours: 744
2,518 total since Friday.
Vancouver Coastal Health = 816
Fraser Health = 1280
Island Health =142
Interior Health = 156
Northern Health = 121
Residents outside of Canada (visitors + TFWs) = 3
2,518 total since Friday.
Vancouver Coastal Health = 816
Fraser Health = 1280
Island Health =142
Interior Health = 156
Northern Health = 121
Residents outside of Canada (visitors + TFWs) = 3
Hospitalization = 299
Critical care or ICU = 79
New deaths: 6
Total deaths: 1,455
# of cases total since beginning of pandemic: 98,165
Critical care or ICU = 79
New deaths: 6
Total deaths: 1,455
# of cases total since beginning of pandemic: 98,165
Henry: We are taking the precaution of suspending the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in under 55. We expect to have that information in the next few days
Henry says B.C. is looking at data from and Europe before they decide what to do next. If you have already received it, you should not be concerned. #COVID19BC
These new #COVID19BC orders and guidelines are in effect through April 19, 2021:
1. All food and liquor-serving premises must only provide take-out or delivery service. Dine-in service is prohibited, except for outdoor patios.
1. All food and liquor-serving premises must only provide take-out or delivery service. Dine-in service is prohibited, except for outdoor patios.
2. Indoor adult group fitness of any kind is also paused - 1 on 1 only -contact tracing shows these amplify spread and need to be on hold now
3. The previously announced class variance for limited indoor worship services has been suspended. Outdoor worship services under the current variance may continue.
Henry: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce this” COVID19BC
Henry: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce this” COVID19BC
4. Travel continues to be limited to essential travel, work or medical reasons only. Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort is closed through to April 19, 2021, to address and prevent community spread related to non-essential travel. #COVID19BC
5. All workers are strongly encouraged to work from home, where possible. #COVID19BC
6. Public health guidance for schools has also been amended to support and encourage students down to Grade 4 to wear masks while at school. #COVID19BC
6. Public health guidance for schools has also been amended to support and encourage students down to Grade 4 to wear masks while at school. #COVID19BC
Henry: Our balance in B.C. is now off. We have seen the start of exponential growth. Strain is ramping up on our health care system.
“A circuit breaker is now required”
#COVID19BC
“A circuit breaker is now required”
#COVID19BC
Henry says she has been “agonizing” for last couple of days over these decisions with colleagues. “We need a circuit breaker to stop this virus now. Making exceptions or bending the rules gives this virus the edge it needs”
Transmission was going up last week- was this a result of pressure from faith leaders and do you regret Thursday’s announcement?
Henry: “I was very hopeful” even as late as last week that we could keep where we were but the dramatic increase in last 5 or so days prompted this.
Henry: “I was very hopeful” even as late as last week that we could keep where we were but the dramatic increase in last 5 or so days prompted this.
Horgan: Aid coming for restaurants. We have an obligation to be at the side of people, businesses and communities. We are working to see how we can bridge these next three weeks, particularly for hospitality sector which was gearing up b/c of nicer weather. #COVID19BC
Henry: “What we saw in October is repeating itself now." People who travelled to Whistler over March break, recent holidays, then brought the virus back to their home communities. This virus moves with people
#COVID19BC
#COVID19BC
Horgan on if B.C. was on the right track:
We have not been popping champagne corks. I am appealing again to all British Columbians to not blow this. If you don't need to travel, stay home. Live up not just to the spirit of Bonnie Henry’s orders, but to the letter. #COVID19BC
We have not been popping champagne corks. I am appealing again to all British Columbians to not blow this. If you don't need to travel, stay home. Live up not just to the spirit of Bonnie Henry’s orders, but to the letter. #COVID19BC
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