Health Minister Adrian Dix scrumming in Victoria now. Starts with a good afternoon. Then realizes it is actually the morning and say good morning. #bcpoli
First question on whether the province will explain which communities are in a hot spot and will get vaccine. Dix says the primary approach continues to be the age based approach. #bcpoli
Dix says BC is encouraging everyone 55+ to register for vaccine. Says some of the Moderna/Pfizer will be used for hot spots. Says Howe Sound had one of the highest levels of transmission. "This is the most effective way to distribute vaccine." #bcpoli
Dix says the hot spot vaccine will also be focused on work places. "We are targeting where we see outbreaks and giving public health the means." #bcpoli #COVID19BC
Dix - "The sole thing limiting us is the amount of vaccine." Says they got less Pfizer yesterday than expected. Around 98,000 Pfizer came yesterday out of an expected 138,000 (or so) vaccine. #bcpoli
Same question asked again, Dix speaks about BC leading the way on genomic sequencing as example of where BC is excelling on data. Does not look like BC will follow Ontario and show hot spots by area code. #bcpoli
Dix speaks to the mapping data showing case numbers over a week in certain regions. This is done by local health areas and now by area code or neighbourhood. #bcpoli
On travel confusion and whether people should stay in their community, Dix says "if you have any question about any activity don't do it. That is how you cut through the confusion." #bcpoli
Dix says people should limit their travel. "Don't do it. That is pretty straight forward." #bcpoli
Dix says the province is getting close to vaccinating (once) 25% of all eligible British Columbians. #bcpoli
On whether the province is dropping the ball on enforcement and why we aren't seeing people getting fined or arrested, Dix says the fines are significant in some cases. "The reason to follow the health orders is because COVID-19 can be devastating to your health." #bcpoli
On AstraZeneca and vaccine hesitancy and first blood clot, Dix says every time there is an adverse event they are examined. Says the vaccine is safe and encouraging everyone over the age of 55. #bcpoli
On pause of Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the states, Dix says BC does not have any of this vaccine yet and 'in the immediate moment this does not impact us at all.' #bcpoli
On hospital capacity issues, Dix says the province has not used surge capacity yet. Says we have lots of beds and ventilators, but the issue now is staff. #bcpoli
Dix says more people were in ICU yesterday than ever before. But expects the numbers to go down today when they are released 'around' 3pm. #bcpoli
On hospital staff being under 'a gag order', Dix says the message has come through clearly of what is happening on the front lines. #bcpoli
On clarity on how ICU cases are being included on ICU totals, Dix says the province has been consistent on reporting since the beginning of the pandemic. Says if you are in critical care for different reasons then you are not counted as in critical care. #bcpoli
On why BC is not providing 'full picture' of why people are remaining in critical care due to COVID, Dix "BC has provided consistent and accurate reporting of critical care". #bcpoli
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