(File photo of Coronavirus blood test concept from Dreamstime.com)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

CORONAVIRUS

BC health officials say coronavirus risk still considered low, after first case documented in Canada

Jan 26, 2020 | 10:30 AM

VICTORIA — Health officials in BC are reassuring British Columbians that the risk of coronavirus within the province is still considered low.

It’s been confirmed that a man in his 50’s who had travelled to Wuhan, China, has been hospitalized in Toronto with Canada’s first documented case of the virus.

BC Health Minister Adrian Dix, and BC’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, released a joined statement in regards to the Ontario case.

“We can confirm that a resident of Ontario is presumed positive for the novel coronavirus that arose late last year in Wuhan, China.

“To date, there have been no cases of illness caused by the novel coronavirus in British Columbia and the overall risk to B.C. is still considered low.

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“We know our colleagues in Ontario will continue to work with their local health officials and the federal health authorities to ensure every measure is taken to prevent the spread of this virus.

“We are closely watching the situation in Canada and globally, and are meeting regularly with our counterparts across the country to make sure we are prepared if cases arise in B.C.”

The statement goes on to say that the BC Centre of Disease Control has a diagnostic test for coronavirus, and has been coordinating with staff to prepare for any potential detections needed. Health care workers have also been asked to take a travel history for anyone reporting respiratory symptoms.

Anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed to the virus, has travelled to areas of China where the virus is active, or is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus is asked to contact their health-care provider.