British Columbia Coronavirus Hospitalizations Rise Over the Weekend
More people in British Columbia are being hospitalized due to Covid-19. The province confirmed that there were 269 new cases and one new death. There are currently 18 people in the hospital who are being treated for Covid-19. Five of the people are in the intensive care unit. This is the highest the Covid-19 numbers have been in two months.
As of August 24, 2020, there are 5,184 cases of Covid-19 cases in British Columbia. The highest reported number of new cases in one day is 109. Dr. Bonnie Henry is the provincial health officer. She stated that everyone needs to take the steps in order to minimize the spread of Covid-19.
However, Dr. Henry stated that there is no need to be alarmed about these numbers. She stated that the number of cases in the province are still low. They are also having an easier time tracking people who have been diagnosed with this illness.
Covid Deaths in British Columbia
There are currently 203 people who have died from Covid-19. Fraser Health region is currently experiencing an outbreak. There are currently 10 outbreaks in the health care system in British Columbia.
Dr. Henry stated that there will likely be many more months of this. She stated that British Columbia did the right thing by shutting down services in March. People did not know a lot about the virus back then. They did not know how the virus spread or how they could track it.
Dr. Henry does not believe that it is necessary to shut things down again. She pointed to New Zealand. She stated that despite the fact that New Zealand had strict lockdowns, they still were unable to control their outbreak. There are some people who have been exposed to Covid in restaurants and bars. However, most of the businesses are taking the proper safety precautions. Dr. Henry believes that shutting down businesses down will just drive all of the social functions in the province underground.
Stricter Measures Are Now Being Taken
Officials in British Columbia are encouraging everyone to take the steps necessary to prevent the virus to spread. They have stated that people should continue to socially distance. Officials are also cracking down on people who violate the rules. Anyone who is caught hosting a large party or gathering can be fined up to $2,300.
There was a party in Victoria this weekend. Sixty people were at the party, and they were fined $2,300. There were also venues in Richmond and Surrey that held parties, and they received a fine.
Dr. Henry stated that everyone is responsible for making sure that they follow all of the guidelines. However, officials have to make sure that they are enforcing the mandates. Adrian Dix is the health minister. He stated that the key to getting through the pandemic is not to finger point. Everyone has to encourage each other to be responsible.
Physical distancing, not going into large crowds of people and wearing a mask can help limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The schools in British Columbia are set to open on September 10. Because the cases in British Columbia are on the rise, many people are opting to homeschool their children.
