Vancouver Island reported one new case of COVID-19 today. Across the province, there were 110 new cases. There were more than 12,000 tests done in B.C. in the last 24 hours, according to Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer.
The province surpassed 10,000 total cases since the start of the pandemic
“It’s a reminder that many people have been impacted by this virus. We know what 245 families have been impacted at a time when it’s very challenging to come together and to mourn and to celebrate people’s lives. It is a reminder that we know what we need to do and we need to continue to do it. To slow down, — to think about what we are doing. To make this smart choices everyday,” said Henry.
There were no new community or health care outbreaks reported today — currently there are 17 active outbreaks in healthcare facilities.
Henry said it is important for people to be aware of COVID symptoms this fall and provided advice for businesses owners to keep workers safe. She said it is is important to keep track of which employees are at work on any given day and who they interact with to assist with contact tracing.
“One of the best things you can do to protect your business is make it easy for people to stay away if they are feeling ill. For some people it is possible they could work from home — for others it may mean taking time off,” she said.
Henry encouraged people to keep long weekend celebrations small and stay close to home, but she said fully-booked ferry routes do not cause her great concern.
“I think we are at a spot where we want to have a balance. We know there is still restricted numbers on the ferries and I know there have been some extra sailings put on, but we want people to stay local,” she said.
“Lets make this Thanksgiving weekend one of gratitude, one of kindness and we do that by saying local, connecting with each other in a way that doesn’t put those we care about at risk.”
