BC's #covid19 update Oct 26
3 death- 259
New Sa 317,Su 293, Mo 207 (817 new) 13371
10734 recovered
Active 2325(2009)
VCH 4428(4319)
FH 7529(6864)
Int 639(662)
Island *(250)
North 383(371)
Non-res *(88)
Hosp/icu 77/26(74/24)
Monitor 5077(4637)
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BREAKING: 2 schools now closed.
1 in @Fraserhealth ,
Kelowna French schoo.
LTC/acute 19/2 (16/2) 549 res 418 staff
1 community outbreak at Surrey pre-trial
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I need to check on the @Interior_Health case number.
Just listened back - Dr Henry says 639.
But the number on Friday was 662. Perhaps it's 739?
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Every time a friend or neighbour tries to put aside safetey precautions it puts everyone at risk.
Dr Henry reminding everyone the 50 people limit is ONLY IF there is sufficient space for safe physical distance.
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BREAKING: limits gatherings in *private homes* to immediate household and your safe six others.
(this is huge)
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There will be stepped up enforcement Dr Henry says for the small number of people who choose to disregard this order -- this will be focused in Fraser Valley where spread is happening most.
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Again: NEW PHO order limits number of people allowed in your home to your immediate family & safe 6 (for large families that may be too big)
*NO halloween parties
*Small outdoor celebrations for funerals, Nov 11
*Large gatherings at home too dangerous
#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130

Also: It is now EXPECTATION that people wear masks in public spaces. Not making it an order, Dr Henry says.
Asking businesses to review safety plans with this in mind.
If employees in public areas masks will keep them and customers safe.
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Summing up breaking #covid19 BC news:
-Two of last three days record breaking new cases
-Private homes limited to household and safe six
-Mask wearing expected in all public places
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Q what took you so long to take these extra steps - were you waiting for the election to be over?
Dr Henry says no. There have been a number of events that have led to dramatic increase. She's said it's mostly private parties inside people's homes
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Like around the world there is a resurgence here in BC - especially in certain places in the province that is stretching public health's ability to contact trace - that is @Fraserhealth - Dr henry
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Dr henry says we need to focus on priorities:
keeping businesses open as much as possible, keeping our schools open
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Q if you'd acted sooner wouldn't you have stemmed this surge?
Dr Henry says the majority of cases are linked to known cases.
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Q Most cases in homes in @Fraserhealth why not just limit gatherings there?
Dr Henry - yes most there. But have seen celebrations of life and parties associated with parties in every part of the province.
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Not seeing transmissions in restaurants Dr Henry says - we are adjusting and titrating to the places seeing transmission -- that's private parties.
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Q you concerned ppl exploiting 50 person rule -
mentioning weekend arts fundraiser w 500 at 10 venues?
Dr Henry - the vast majority of ppl are doing this right. Hotels she says. But private parties/homes having diff groups of 20-30 days in a row
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Q order is enforced how?
Dr Henry - enforceable via bylaw offers - can report as you would with noise complaining.
She says most ppl are complacent more than actively thwarting rules. Most homes not large enough for 10-20-30 ppl
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Q Was gov needed for orders during the election?
Dr Henry I have ability to issue orders under public health act.
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Q genesis of increase
When saw the rise in cases last week, Dr Henry says it was clear that the gatherings at the base of them were over thanksgiving - this is the next level after that.
Again - Halloween - outside, small groups.'
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Q school outbreaks so they mean school plan isn't working or schools aren't following plan?
Dr Henry: indicates plan is working detecting the cases &detecting early. It may be more than 1 brought it into school - investigating using genome sequencing
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Q advice for families for playdates - schools for masks
Dr Henry - there is provision for masks in certain areas - this expectation today doesn't change that. Knows many are wearing routinely regardless - should be encouraged.
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Q Playdates, kids parties?
Dr Henry: Playdates small and outside
Even if kids are in same learning group, parents are not -- so no biggish parties.
Focus on school and activities that are necessary
#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130

Q schools: should teachers staff wear masks?
Dr H: Expect going into flu season we will all be wearing masks in public spaces-store, transit, in ICBC office,
The evidence is showing us we can't keep distance there, mask is additional layer of protection
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Dr Henry: we do need to pay attention to staff teachers educators - car pooling, taking breaks together, lunching together to take the extra precautions.
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Dr Henry - Mask expectations are for indoor spaces. Outside if with ppl outside your bubble and are very close
If outside going for run or walk don't need one.
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Q when are we getting app?
Dr H: would cause more concern/frustration than help so are still negotiating with federal gov. want app can download when at a certain event to identify specific times someone was in that vicinity. Right now too broad.
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Q health order goes to after New Year so no family Xmas?
Dr Henry - I think we need to consider all celebrations coming up - and focus on immediate family and support each other to do it safely. So no large gatherings over Xmas, Hanukkah, Diwali
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Q what about the island where there are few cases?
Dr Henry: If we have a large gathering - other people coming from other places bring the risk with them. We've seen outbreaks with ppl coming from away.
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"We are going into a very challenging and difficult few months," Dr henry says, "we know that because we've watched what's happening around the world. We are doing OK here in BC." But we need to pull it together and keep it close to keep it that way.
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