(Image Credit: The Canadian Press)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

COVID-19

Health officials confirm eighth case of COVID-19 in B.C

Feb 29, 2020 | 11:19 AM

VICTORIA, B.C — BC health officials have now confirmed an eighth case of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in the province.

Today (Feb. 29), Health Minister Adrian Dix, and BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a joint statement updating the novel coronavirus situation.

“We are announcing an eighth case of COVID-19 in B.C. The person affected is visiting from Tehran, Iran and arrived in British Columbia earlier this week. The patient is in isolation at home with support and monitoring from public health teams.”

The statement goes on to say that the person has been confirmed positive with BC Centre for Disease Control testing.

The woman is in her 60s, and is staying with family in the Vancouver Coastal Health Region.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Someone finally takes the lead in reducing plastics

15h ago

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of Sept. 23

Sep 28, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Studies in accountability - or a lack thereof

Sep 27, 2024

“Vancouver Coastal Health is actively investigating. Close contacts have been identified and contacted by public health officials. Those who may be at risk are now in isolation for 14 days and are being actively monitored for symptoms.”

Three other patients who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 are now fully recovered, bringing the recovery total to four patients, according to the statement. The others are continuing to recover in isolation.

“While the risk of spread of COVID-19 within British Columbia remains low at this time, we continue to focus efforts on containing and delaying the spread of transmission, as well as preparing for the possibility of a pandemic,” states the release, “A pandemic is the spread of an illness to a large number of people on a global scale.”

Health officials strongly recommend protective measures such as frequent and proper hand washing, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve, and disposing of tissues properly.

They also recommend staying home and away from others if you do feel ill.

“We ask all international travellers who are returning to B.C. to monitor themselves and their children closely for symptoms. If any symptoms arise, limit their contact with others and connect with their primary care provider, local public health office or call 811 to determine if COVID-19 testing is needed. This is an important way to reduce the possibility of transmission of illness to others.”