Tuesday September 29, 2020 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc., Editor | Island Social Trends
“This year is unique for all of us, and COVID-19 has required that we connect and show we care in new and different ways,” says Dr Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry.
She mentions changing special celebrations in that regard, in order to “keep the people we care about safe”. Thanksgiving is highlighted in that regard.
“Rather than travelling to see friends or hosting a large family dinner, make it small this year and plan to connect virtually instead,” says BC’s top doctor about celebrating Thanksgiving 2020.
Keeping bubbles small is critical as the second wave is already mounting in BC. “Stay home and stay small,” says Dr Henry.
It could be argued that British Columbians can feel most thankful this coming Thanksgiving for the relatively gentle ride we’ve had during COVID-19 compared to most other jurisdictions in Canada and around the world.
Halloween also requires COVID-awareness:
Earlier this week, Dr Henry said some BC-customized COVID-19 Halloween guidelines are coming later this week, to keep everyone safe while having fun.
Behind the statistics:
As everyone knows, behind the COVID-19 statistics are all the impacted families, disrupted communities and businesses, and changes in how we carry out our daily lives and social relationships.
The mental health impacts of this sudden loss and massive shifts will have ripple effects in society for decades. The BC211 site offers a range of links to mental health support services.
COVID profile at September 29:
Total cases 9,013 (105 new today, across all age groups). Active cases: 1,268. People self-isolating: 3,337. Hospitalizations in total to date at 759 — currently 69 people in hospital (20 in intensive care). One new COVID death, bringing total this year to 234.
