Tuesday September 15, 2020 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc., editor | Island Social Trends
There are now 7,376 test-positive cases of COVID-19 in BC (108 epi-linked), of which 1,590 are active including 63 people in hospital (up from 58 yesterday and 49 last Friday) which includes now 20 people in ICU or acute care (up from 16 yesterday, and 10 last Friday).
Today’s new case count of 97 falls slightly below the BC trend of over 100 cases per day.
There were no deaths from COVID-19 reported today; the total remains at 219 deaths in BC.
Age profile:
For the last couple of weeks the highest case count increases have occurred in the working-adult age groups, notably 20-29 and 30-39 years of age.
Of total cases reported today, the 20 to 39 year age ranges together continue to comprise 42.9% of all COVID-19 cases in BC to date. Of new cases reported today, 40% are in people ages 20 to 39 (that down from being nearly half the cases on a high-case day).
Increases in the daily case count has gone up a bit in the 40-49 and 50-59 age groups, comprising 34% of today’s 97 new cases.
Seniors of ages 60 to 69 saw 11 new cases over the last 24 hours. This age category — which is generally still active in the economy — comprises 8.3% of COVID cases in BC (same as Thursday and Friday last week, and same as yesterday).
Children and youth:
In BC since the pandemic began, a total of 582 children and youth (197 in ages 0 to 19 years, and 385 in ages 10 to 19) have tested positive for COVID-19.
There has been a slow but steady uptick in cases among children each day during the summer and now also in September.
Regular classes in schools got underway yesterday across BC. It was projected by school districts that 80 percent of students would return to attend in-class. In SD62 it’s about 83 percent, says SD62 Superintendent Scott Stinson.
At the start of the pandemic, health officials were staying that children have an easier time of dealing with COVID-19 infection. But all persons regardless of age can spread the virus, whether or not they have symptoms. Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry said this week that the infection can be a serious illness at every age.
BC is now tracking a post-COVID inflammation response in children (called MISC) which indicates a more serious impact of the viral infection with longer term effects. Cases and suspected cases are being reported to the World Health Organization.
Ventilation in schools under smoky skies during COVID:
However, yesterday and today there was an over-the-top 10+ Air Quality Health Index rating which meant that windows would not be opened in classrooms due to air toxicity, which goes against the COVID-19 prevention recommendation to keep windows open as much as possible.
Today Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry said that some schools have HVAC or air filtration systems. That is likely in not too many of the schools. Classrooms that have HVAC in many cases intentionally have no windows (as a way to maintain air control under normal circumstances).
Back-to-school:
Public health says they are prepared for handling any cases or outbreaks that are likely to occur in schools. Dr Henry has cited how public health has in the past responded efficiently to measles and meningitis in schools.
People are, meanwhile, asked to pull back on social interactions beyond their small bubbles of family and friends, to compensate for exposure to the family through their children in schools.
If you’re exposed, you’re under watch:
As a result of identified exposure to known cases, 3,001 people are under active public health monitoring. That’s a daily number consistent with the past week or two.
Being under public health surveillance may sound relatively benign. But it means that public health officials are ‘in your face’. They check up daily on symptoms and making sure the people in this group stay isolated.
These exposed people are likely to be missing out on work or school or time with family and friends, with all the associated economic and social impacts.
So far, 675 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 in BC (9.2% of total cases).
Recovery from COVID-19 is tallied as 5,548 people who have tested positive (i.e. 75.2% of cases which is fairly consistent with previous days).
Regional COVID impact:
Most COVID-19 cases have occurred and still occur in the Lower Mainland area. A low number of new cases on Vancouver Island occur sporadically (none today).
Vancouver Island COVID-19 profile:
There were 369 COVID-19 tests done within Island Health in the last 24 hours, uncovering no new cases. The total is 195.
Of the total Vancouver Island cases to date, 178 have recovered. Five people have died on Vancouver Island during the pandemic (no new deaths in many weeks).
Presently 12 people are still active for COVID-19. There continues to be no one in hospital with COVID-19 within Island Health.
===== LINKS (provided by government):
For the latest modelling information presented on Sept. 3, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/COVID19_Going_Forward_Sept_2020.pdf
To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data
If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing
Find out more about the new enforcement of public health officer orders on events:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0046-001568
If you have plans this weekend, follow Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Good Times Guide: https://goodtimes.gov.bc.ca/
For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com
For a listing of the community exposure events, go to:
BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc.): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures
For the second monthly progress report on B.C.’s surgical renewal plan, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2020_surgical-renewal-commitment-progress-report-June-July-2020.pdf (http://https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2020_surgical-renewal-commitment-progress-report-June-July-2020.pdf)
For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.
For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.
For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC
