Home Health Coronavirus update Feb 7: first set of Canadians has returned from China...

Coronavirus update Feb 7: first set of Canadians has returned from China | Four cases in BC

Anyone in close contact with anyone who has recently visited Hubei province in China is to call public health officials and self-isolate for 14 days

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Friday February 7, 2020 ~ BC / NATIONAL

by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News

Today Friday February 7 there is a tally of 638 deaths worldwide as a result of the Wuahn Coronavirus (all of those in China except one which was in the Philippines), with 31,481 people infected world wide (3,205 new since yesterday). All of those are in China except for 270 cases in 24 other countries (54 new since yesterday); one death.

In Canada there are now seven cases: three in Ontario and four in BC. All of those patients are being treated or are in isolation and are expected to recover.

The World Health Organization is now holding daily press conferences. Today February 7 they encouraged the private sector to make sure that the supply of masks and respirators is managed effectively so that supplies get to where they are needed, and that pricing is not unconscionably applied.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and BC Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry
Health Minister Adrian Dix and BC Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry deliver more coronavirus news on Friday February 6, 2020 at the BC Legislative Press Gallery [livestream]

Yesterday, Minister of Health Adrian Dix and BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry gave yet another press conference about the virus.

Now today February 7 they have issued another joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in British Columbia:

“Late on February 6, the first Canadian-operated repatriation flight carrying returning Canadians from Wuhan, China arrived at the Vancouver International Airport. The aircraft refuelled and proceeded to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton in Ontario. No crew members or passengers remained in B.C.

“Early on February 7, a flight operated by the United States carrying returning Canadians from Wuhan arrived at the Vancouver International Airport. The Canadian passengers disembarked and immediately boarded an awaiting aircraft with service to CFB Trenton. The initial aircraft proceeded onto the United States. No crew members or passengers remained in B.C.

“The returning Canadians will spend 14 days at CFB Trenton – which is the 2019-nCoV maximum incubation period – so they can be assessed and monitored, and to support their transition back to Canada.

“We want to reassure people that the risk of spread of this virus within British Columbia remains low at this time. We are watching the evolution of the outbreak in China very closely and will notify the public if the measures we need to take in B.C. change.

“Now is the time for tolerance. We call on all British Columbians to come together as a community to help one another. In this time of uncertainty, this is not only the right response, but the necessary one. Fear obstructs the important work of our public health officials to protect the health and safety of British Columbians.

“Together with our federal and provincial partners, we are asking people who have recently visited, or who have been in close contact with someone who has recently visited, the Hubei province in China to call public health officials and self-isolate for 14 days.

“The most important measures to prevent all respiratory illnesses, including this novel coronavirus, remain cleaning your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately and staying home and away from others if you become sick.

“Anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of, the coronavirus should contact their primary care provider, local public health office or call 811. Translation services for 811 are available in more than 130 languages.”

The BC Provincial Health Officer will hold a regular press conference each Tuesday.

================ Learn More:

For more information and latest updates on 2019-nCoV, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit the website: http://www.bccdc.ca/

Provincial health officer’s Jan. 29, 2020, statement confirming 2019-nCoV: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0016-000176

For the Jan. 28 joint statement on 2019-nCoV, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0015-000151