What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. on March 11, 2020 - Action News
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British Columbia

What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. on March 11, 2020

B.C. announced seven new cases on Tuesday, bringing the province's total to 39.

3 Metro Vancouver schools closed after community members test positive for illness

A man demonstrates how to put on a face mask and other protective clothing during a tour of a COVID-19 evaluation clinic in Montreal on March 10, 2020. Health officials have urged the public to stop hoarding masks, warning the masks wont help against the spread of the novel coronavirus but will take important resources away from health care workers. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

THE LATEST:


What you need to know today

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced seven new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday. That includes two more patients believed to have contracted the disease through community transmission they don't have a recent history of travel andhaven't had any contact with known infected people.

The new cases also include two health-care workers at Lynn Valley Care Centre, which has experienced an outbreak of novel coronavirus. The remaining three cases have been traced to travel overseas.

Coast Meridian Elementary School in Surrey, B.C., is closed as a precaution after the district was informed a member of the schoolcommunity may have tested positive for COVID-19. A statement said school officials had been "unable" to confirm the positive test with health authorities, but decided to close the school Wednesday for deep cleaningout of "significant caution."

A Catholic elementary school in Vancouver,St. Francis of Assisi, is closed for the remainder of the week through spring breakafter its principal was notified a parent had tested positive for COVID-19.

A private high school linked to the elementary school, Notre Dame Regional Secondary School, is also closed because staff and students had recently contacted younger students from St. Francis of Assisi. A statement fromCatholic Independent SchoolsVancouver Archdiocese said the risk to the school community is low and the closures are proactive.

The Surrey Women in Business Awards have also been cancelled. The Surrey Board of Trade announced Wednesdayall of its March events, including the awards ceremony, were to be postponed or cancelled.

Rogers has cancelled the Hometown Hockey Tour, including upcoming stops in North Vancouver and Campbell River.

39 cases in B.C.

B.C. has now identifieda total 39 COVID-19 patients, including one elderly man who has died.

Meanwhile, officials are bracing for the impact on B.C.'s health-care system and economy as the virus continues to spread.

Henry is expected to provide another update on coronavirus on Wednesday afternoon.

Important reminders:

B.C.'s top doctor, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said the risk of contracting coronavirus in B.C. communitiesremains low.

Health officials widely agree the most important thing you can do to prevent coronavirus and other illnesses is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

The World Health Organizationsaid more than 80 per cent of COVID-19 infections are estimated to be mild.

What's happening elsewhere in Canada

In Canada, public health officials have reported a total of 94 cases.

The Public Health Agency of Canada, which has been assessing risk as the global outbreak progresses, has saidthe risk is low in Canada.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, said on Twitter that "people over 65 years of age and people with a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition are at a higher risk of developing severe disease." She advised that those more vulnerable people should avoid cruise ships, international conferences and other large indoor gatherings.

What are the symptoms ofCOVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

  • Fever.
  • Cough.
  • Tiredness.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Stay home. Isolate yourself andcall your local public health authority. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested.

What can I do toprotect myself?

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Keep them clean.
  • Keep your distance from people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Unless you're already infected, masks won't help you.
  • Be aware ofevolving travel advisoriesto different regions.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on thefederal government's website.