Thread by @LizaYuzda

Dr Henry starts apologizing for the way the orders were posted/expired/extended before presser - timing "was an error on our part".
Current restrictions for bars/nightclubs events extended to mid February at which time they will be reassessed.
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Dr Henry: "Taking the cautious step of reopening gyms & fitness facilities" with proof of vaccine, space limits including requiring 7 meters square for every person working out & group fitness, masks at all times by intructors, trainers & staff 1/
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gyms/fitness cont
Dr Henry: masks recommended for others at all times but can be removed when exerciseing, no fans/heaters to increase temperature also overall capacity limits per space
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Dr Henry: regarding new health order allowing medical health officers to require records of vaccination status of staff. She says this assists them to know what schools are most at risk. Makes clear there's a legal basis for this requirement.
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Dr Henry says the new school order assists districts - mentions Delta where there is a vax mandate - in taking steps they deem necessary.
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Dr Henry: two groups remain most at risk of serious illness -- age remains the single greatest also those still at risk those with immune compromising issues.
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Dr Henry caution against minimizing Omicron. "It is a serious issue and we are still in a pandemic as much as we would like to be over it."
Even with omicron, she says, 1 in 10 with the virus will have symptoms that last for as long as ten weeks.
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Dr Henry: In terms of workplaces, people do not need Dr notes to get back to work or school or childcare.
Postive antigen test does not need PCR to confirm
Do not require negative to return to work
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Dr Henry: first antiviral Paxlovid for those at highest risk of more severe illnes. Includes those 70+, CEV, younger with additional conditions without protection of vaccine.
Must start within 5 days of symptoms starting
Have very limited supply
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Dr Henry - antiviral cont... it is good news but will not change the trajectory of the pandemic here right now.
Novovax, another good option is looking like January.
Another perhaps by end of the month.
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Dr Henry: talking about misinformation.
Says credible, scientific information is vital-this includes family doctor, @CDCofBC site, pharmacists, scienceupfirst.com
She says it's important to get kids vaccinated if worried go to these sources.
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Dr Henry: Vaccines do not change DNA or fertility.
She says there can be very rare side effects - the most common heart inflammation but says it is more common to have inflamatory response after infection than it is from vaccination (mentions Davies)
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Health Min @adriandix reading off list of numbers hospital bed capacity. Bottom line they are pretty much at capacity but there is surge space so still hanging in there.
A lot of health workers off sick 2nd week Jan but but fewer than week before
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Health Auth @adriandix says having challenges with staffing meaning some home care services put off. @Interior_Health closing inperson services in a few communites. @VanIslandHealth just out with changes now (below) indicative of struggles elsewhere
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Q @VanIslandHealth asking for assessment of RATS at LTC because of shortage - how wide spread is this?
Dr Henry - want to in LTC ensure safely allowing essential visitors in. Prioritizing ability to test ppl & triaging until supply bolstered soon.
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Q Why isn't BC doing the 20,000 capacity PCR tests each day?
DBH - "has a lot to do with titrating demand and access." It is prioritizing where using scarce resources & fewer allows lab to keep up with processing tests.
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Q was part of reopening gyms biz pressure - what is science behind this
DBH - wasn't public pressure. worked closely with industry. know how important physical activity is for wellness - facilities part of that. con't
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Gyms con't - DBH - In dec the demographic/age that goes to gyms is where were seeing transmissions so had to adjust. Says now can safetly restart with added protections like capacity limits because know it will be ppl who are vaccinated.
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Q-close contact rules for kids when can they go back? ten days?ok if not symptomatic? when will @CDCofBC be updated?
DBH: it is a time of transition right now. working with MDFD & ECE. New info in coming days. Don't need to isolated if close contact
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Q - school staff vax status reporting order
DBH says its employers resp for making those decisions this order allows them access info needed to make these decisions. ie how many staff are unvaccinated/vaxxed. Mentions the interior as having an issue
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Q vaccination card extension?
DBH - It has been shown to be very effective mitigating risk. Looking at next steps (order was originally set to expire end of January). But basically saying it will be staying in place past original end date.
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Q best duration infection to booster shot?
DBH - as long as feeling better and 6 months from second dose. Says it's about what comes next because we will be living with this virus for time to come - hoping less severe over time
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Q might BC make three doses what is considered fully vaccinated for vax pass?
DBH - No plans for changing what is considered fully vaxxed.
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Q ethics of antiviral distribution
DBH: There are many factors - the ethics of who gets it but also that there are some serious drug interactions
risk greatest in older ppl & immune compromised regarless of vax status.
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DBH antivirals con't -- one of the issues is making sure those at risk get timely tests (drug needed within five days of symptoms) also working on making sure more rural at risk communities have access as well.
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