(File photo, courtesy of Canadian Press)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

COVID-19 UPDATE

Nine new cases of COVID-19 identified in B.C, with more anticipated through adapted testing

Mar 14, 2020 | 12:45 PM

VANCOUVER — Health officials in British Columbia say nine new cases of COVID-19 identified has brought the number of confirmed cases in the province to 73.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and BC Health Minister Adrian Dix gave an update in Vancouver today (Mar. 14) on the COVID-19 development in British Columbia.

Dr. Henry stated there were seven new cases found within the Vancouver Coastal region, one in Fraser Health, and one presumptive case in Interior Health (however Henry stated they expect test results to come back positive, and officials believe the case is a result of international travel).

There are now two cases that have been identified within the Interior Health region.

Meanwhile, at the Lynn Valley Care facility in North Vancouver, four residents and 12 staff have now tested positive for COVID-19. Vancouver Coastal Health teams continue to monitor that care home.

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Health officials say with adaptations made to testing, they do expect the number of cases identified to grow.

“This is not a surprise,” says Henry, “When we first recognized the outbreak it had just been starting, so we know that people are in that incubation period, and there may be more cases that arise in the coming days.”

Dr. Henry stresses that testing is not necessary unless symptoms requiring healthcare are apparent, even for those who recently travelled outside of Canada.

“For most people, you do not need a test. And we want to make sure that testing is available for all who do need it.”

Travellers are urged to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return and to get in touch with health authorities should moderate to significant symptoms arise.

In regards to high volumes of food, or household products leaving retail shelves, Henry says people do not need to buy or hoard items out of panic and should take a calm approach.

“I think it’s natural when you’re in a situation like this with a lot of unknowns and a lot of concern about what’s happening with this virus, and the impact it’s going to have on us, and our families,” she says, “One of the ways that people do try to get some control over their environment is to make sure they’re doing things like stocking up. And that can be provoked by anxiety.”

Dix adds that they have been reassured by suppliers that the supply chain is strong, despite many shelves getting cleaned out in various retail stores.

“There are no shortages of goods. What happens on shelves is the result of intense buying,” He stresses, “We are asking people to show moderation here to one another, and generosity to one another, and for the people working in the stores, and working in the industry so that we work together better as a community and a society.”