Cariboo-Chilcotin Politics: December 2020

Thursday, December 31, 2020

December 31st, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 683 new cases of COVID-19, including two epi-linked cases, for a total of 51,983 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 7,803 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 374 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 76 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Currently, 9,364 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and a further 42,129 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Since we last reported, we have had 105 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 447 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 11 in the Island Health region, 84 in the Interior Health region, 36 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“Since the start of immunizations, 17,510 people have received a COVID-19 vaccine in B.C.

“There have been eight new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 901 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have had three new health-care facility outbreaks at Ridge Meadows Hospital, Langley Memorial Hospital long-term care and Williams Lake Seniors Village. The outbreak at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Dr. Al Hogg Pavilion (second occurrence), the Banfield Pavilion and the community outbreak at Big Horn Hotel have been declared over.

“A new year brings a fresh start for us all, and we must start 2021 on the right foot. This year, that means following provincial health officer orders to protect your friends, family and all your communities.

“This New Year’s Eve, we can still celebrate, but as we are seeing around the globe, tonight this must be done in different ways than before. Many of us will be ordering our favourite meals in. Others are having a games night in with their household or celebrating with friends online.

“Whatever your plans may be this evening, please remember how important it is to follow the public health orders and restrictions. By staying local, keeping our circles small and following provincial health orders, we can welcome in the new year on a safe and celebratory note.

“We thank all British Columbians for their sacrifices, big and small, as we came together in adversity, in the face of this global pandemic over the past year. We have shown our kindness, compassion and resiliency. We wish everyone a better, healthy and safe 2021.”

Learn More:

For updated PHO orders and new guidance:

For new orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-order-nightclubs-food-drink.pdf

For details on new restrictions, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

For updated PHO orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Find out where to get tested:

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health, anxiety and other supports:

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com
Or visit the BCCDC for further supports: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/mental-well-being-during-covid-19

For more information on overdoses, visit: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca

People in BC experiencing violence can access VictimLink, a toll-free, confidential multilingual service available 24/7 by calling or texting 1 800 563-0808 or emailing: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc.): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

December 30th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 485 new cases of COVID-19, including five epi-linked cases, for a total of 51,300 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 7,551 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 379 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 77 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Currently, 9,320 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and a further 41,681 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Since we last reported, we have had 117 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 211 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 16 in the Island Health region, 57 in the Interior Health region, 84 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“Since the start of immunizations, 14,027 people have received a COVID-19 vaccine in British Columbia. We announced yesterday that the Moderna vaccine will be arriving in British Columbia this week. The first doses are targeted for remote and isolated First Nations communities and residents of long term-care, and will be expanding to other communities soon.

“There have been 11 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 893 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have had two new health-care facility outbreaks at Langley Memorial Hospital Cedar Hill and Surrey Memorial Hospital.

“We want 2021 to be our year of success with COVID-19. This means taking a step back and keeping our focus on what is most important right now: the health and safety of everyone in our province.

“Especially in light of the U.K. variant now appearing in B.C., we must do all we can to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

“To best position us as we go into 2021, an amendment to provincial health officer (PHO) orders has been put in place to reduce the hours that alcohol may be sold or served on New Year’s Eve. The selling and serving of alcohol must cease between 8 p.m. (Pacific time) on Dec. 31, 2020, and 9 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2021. As before, liquor sales for onsite consumption must cease at 10 p.m. on all other dates.

“This order applies to any establishment that sells or serves alcohol, including bars, restaurants, pubs, liquor stores or grocery stores.

“Unless a full meal service is provided, premises that are licensed to serve liquor must close between 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2020, and 9 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2021.

“We know alcohol can impair people’s judgment and their ability to effectively use the layers of protection required to keep all of us safe. This order, while temporary, will ensure New Year’s Eve leads to a safe new year for everyone.

“We recognize this order creates an added strain on our already challenged restaurant and food services sector that has been working hard to ensure restaurants are safe. However, this is the time to do all we can to keep our wall strong. We remain confident that having a meal with your household contacts in a restaurant in B.C. is safe, and we encourage people to continue to visit their local restaurants to eat in or take away on New Year’s Eve.

“In addition to this order, the industrial workplace order announced last week has been posted on the PHO website:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-order-industrial-projects.pdf

“This is our last chance to make a difference this year. We recognize the sacrifices you have all made and we thank you for continuing to do your part.”

Learn More:

For updated PHO orders and new guidance:

For new orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-order-nightclubs-food-drink.pdf

For details on new restrictions, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

For updated PHO orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Find out where to get tested:

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health, anxiety and other supports:

For more information on overdoses, visit: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca

People in BC experiencing violence can access VictimLink, a toll-free, confidential multilingual service available 24/7 by calling or texting 1 800 563-0808 or emailing: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

December 29th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement of BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting on new cases of COVID-19 from Dec. 24 through to Dec. 29.

“From Dec. 24 to 25, we had 512 new cases. From Dec. 25 to 26, we had 447 new cases. From Dec. 26 to 27, we had 424 new cases. From Dec. 27 to 28, we had 441 new cases and in the last 24 hours, we had 382 new cases.

“This represents 2,206 new cases over the five-day period, including 25 epi-linked cases, for a total of 50,815 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 7,580 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 373 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 80 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Currently, 9,414 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and a further 41,175 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Since we last reported, we have had 378 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,375 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 44 in the Island Health region, 238 in the Interior Health region, 171 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“Since the start of immunizations, 11,930 people have received a COVID-19 vaccine in B.C. The Moderna vaccine, the second approved vaccine in Canada, will arrive in British Columbia this week, with the first doses targeted for remote and isolated First Nations communities and residents of long-term care.

“There have been 74 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 882 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have had eight new health-care facility outbreaks at Brookside Lodge, Rideau Retirement Residence, The Emerald at Elim Village, Heritage Square, Noric House, Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence, University Hospital of Northern British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital. The outbreaks at PICS Assisted Living, Courtyard Terrace, Agassiz Seniors Community and Fort Langley Seniors Community are over.

“The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has identified the first case of a person in B.C. infected with the COVID-19 U.K. variant. The person and their close contacts are isolating and receiving care from public health teams. The case was identified as part of the ongoing whole genome sequencing that has been done since the start of the pandemic.

“What we know is this variant spreads more quickly than the other mutations we have had here in B.C. This is why adhering to the public health orders and restrictions, particularly abiding by the federal quarantine order and avoiding all non-essential travel, is so important.

“The majority of people in B.C. are following the public health orders we have in place. This meant that for most of us, this past weekend was a quiet weekend, with our immediate household only.

“To give our front-line health-care workers the reprieve they deserve, we need to make this entire holiday season a quiet holiday season, including our New Year’s celebrations.

“The turning of the calendar to 2021 is something we are all looking forward to. The way to ensure we are in the best possible position going into January 2021 is to make it a safe New Year for everyone.

“Every time you follow the rules, you save people’s lives. Every time you make the choice to bend the rules to make them work for you, you put yourself and your loved ones at risk.

“Staying local, staying small and staying apart protects the people we care about most and ensures the coming year will be better, brighter and safer for everyone.”

Learn More:

For updated PHO orders and new guidance:

For details on new restrictions, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

For updated PHO orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Find out where to get tested:

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health, anxiety and other supports:

For more information on overdoses, visit: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca

People in BC experiencing violence can access VictimLink, a toll-free, confidential multilingual service available 24/7 by calling or texting 1 800 563-0808 or emailing: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

Monday, December 28, 2020

2020 #CaribooRD Electoral Area "D" Annual Report

As is my annual practice -- please find my annual report for #CaribooRD Electoral Area "D" for the 2020 calendar year here

This annual report covers work, on behalf of those who live on or reside in Soda Creek Rd, Mile 168 Rd, Commodore Heights, Fox Mountain, Pine Valley, Wildwood, Deep Creek, Tyee Lake, Soda Creek Valley, Duckworth Lake, McLeese Lake, Mcallister and Marguerite, in my capacity as the Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area "D" Director

If there are any questions on the report, happy to answer those:

1) Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/sforsethcrdaread

2) Phone -- 250-267-6725

3) Email -- sforseth@cariboord.ca

Thanks,

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Joint statement on first COVID-19 U.K. variant case in B.C.

Joint Statement of BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“B.C. has identified the first case of a person in B.C. infected with the COVID-19 U.K. variant. The individual, who resides in the Island Health region, returned to B.C. from the U.K. on flight AC855 on Dec. 15, 2020, developed symptoms while in quarantine and was immediately tested. Testing confirmed the positive diagnosis on Dec. 19, 2020; a small number of close contacts have been isolated and public health is following up with them daily.

“The variant strain was detected by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) Public Health Laboratory in its review of all isolates from people who had recently returned from travel to the U.K. Whole genome sequencing at the BCCDC identified this as the same as the variant seen in the U.K. Ongoing review may identify additional cases in the coming days.

“B.C. continues to support the Canada-wide travel ban on all flights arriving from the U.K. until Jan. 6, 2021, and urges all British Columbians to continue to avoid all non-essential travel to keep people and communities safe.

“It is important to note there is no evidence that the new COVID-19 variant is more likely to cause severe illness, nor is there evidence to suggest the Health Canada-approved vaccines will be any less effective against the new variant.

“However, studies suggest the COVID-19 variant first identified in the U.K. can spread more quickly and easily, which is why British Columbians everywhere must continue to be cautious and follow all PHO orders and guidelines, stay close to home, avoid non-essential travel, practice safe, physical distancing and wear a mask when in public indoor spaces.

“All British Columbians have to remember the virus spreads quickly but shows up slowly. By staying local, avoiding all non-essential travel and using our layers of protection, we can reduce the potential for a surge in new cases and keep our communities and loved ones safe.”

Learn More:

For updated PHO orders and new guidance:

For details on new restrictions, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

For updated PHO orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Find out where to get tested:

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health, anxiety and other supports:

For more information on overdoses, visit: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca

People in BC experiencing violence can access VictimLink, a toll-free, confidential multilingual service available 24/7 by calling or texting 1 800 563-0808 or emailing: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

Friday, December 25, 2020

Christmas Day 2020 Messages

Courtesy of the Hon. John Horgan - Premier of British Columbia:

“Tomorrow, Christians around the world will celebrate the birth of Christ. During this incredibly challenging time, Jesus’ message of peace, joy and love will bring comfort to many.

“Normally, Christmas is a time when people gather with friends and family, share food, exchange gifts and take part in the many traditions of the season. This year will look very different as we battle the second wave of COVID-19. “This isn’t easy. Like you, I will miss spending time with my loved ones this holiday season.

But for now, I am limiting my contacts and spending this time at home. The most important thing right now is to do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. “This is not forever. With vaccines available, there is light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. There will be a time when we can all come together again, like we did before.

Until then, let us remember the values of the Christmas season – charity, generosity and kindness – and do our level best to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe. “To all those celebrating, I wish you a safe and happy holiday. “Merry Christmas!”

Courtesy of the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau - Prime Minister of Canada:

Merry Christmas, Canada!

Today, our family joins Christians across the country and around the world to celebrate the birth of Christ. “This time of year is full of joy, light, and traditions.

As a family, we usually get together to eat too much food, share laughs and stories, watch cheesy holiday movies, give each other gifts, and most importantly, spend quality time together.

“This year, as we continue to deal with the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas traditions will be different. Families aren’t getting together for big dinners and friends aren’t stopping by for cookies and eggnog, but we can, and should, give thanks for everything that unites us. Today is a time to recognize all the good that we have in our lives. It’s a time to celebrate Christ’s message of compassion and show people we love them – and right now, that message is more important than ever before. “2020 has been a difficult year for all of us, but through it we’ve seen Canadians meet these challenging times with generosity, kindness, and hope. Neighbours are helping neighbours, kids are giving up play dates and birthday parties, and businesses are retooling their operations, all to help in the fight against COVID-19.

We’ve seen this leadership and dedication from our front line workers, who have put themselves at risk to keep all of us safe and healthy and our families fed. And we also recognize the work of our Canadian Armed Forces members, both at home and abroad, and thank them for their sacrifice and service to our country.

“This year everyone has done their part, because as Canadians we show up for one another. And today, as many spend this holiday away from the ones they love, we need to continue to support and reach out to friends, neighbours, and those in need in our communities. As a country, we will come out of this challenging year stronger and more united, and we will continue to stand together – both today and into the New Year.

“From our family to yours, Hadrien, Ella-Grace, Xavier, Sophie, and I wish you joy, health, and love this holiday season. Merry Christmas, everyone.”

Thursday, December 24, 2020

December 24th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 582 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 48,609 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 8,865 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 341 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 78 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Currently, 9,732 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and a further 37,784 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Since we last reported, we have had 107 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 326 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 10 in the Island Health region, 71 in the Interior Health region, 68 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“Since the start of immunizations, 8,178 people have received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in B.C.

“In addition to our health-care workers, immunization of residents in long-term care is now also underway. Given seniors and Elders have been most severely impacted by this virus, this is welcome news for all of us.

“There have been 12 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 808 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have had no new health-care facility outbreaks, and the outbreak at Belvedere Care Centre is over. There have been no new community outbreaks.

“This Christmas and over the holiday weekend is the time to try the many new virtual activities that have been arranged this year – whether a church service, holiday choral concert or theatre performance.

“Take a walk with those in your household and spread some cheer with neighbourhood carolling, or drop off a warm meal or holiday treats to someone who may be away from their family this year.

“We can all safely connect with loved ones near and far – those in our community, in different parts of the province and around the world with the many tools available to us.

“By staying small and staying apart this holiday season, we’re protecting the people we care about most and ensuring the coming weeks and months are better, brighter and safer for everyone. Together, let’s make this holiday season a safe season for all of us.”

Learn More:

For updated provincial health officer's (PHO) orders and new guidance:

For details on new restrictions, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

For updated PHO orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Find out where to get tested:

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health, anxiety and other supports:

For more information on overdoses, visit: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca

People in BC experiencing violence can access VictimLink, a toll-free, confidential multilingual service available 24/7 by calling or texting 1 800 563-0808 or emailing: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

Interior Health shortlists proponents for CMH Redevelopment in Williams Lake to three

Courtesy of the Interior Health Authority:

Interior Health has shortlisted three teams as it seeks a qualified design builder for the Cariboo Memorial Hospital (CMH) Redevelopment Project in Williams Lake.

“Interior Health is committed to quality patient care for residents of Williams Lake and the Cariboo-Chilcotin,” said BC Health Minister Adrian Dix. “This project is so vitally important to all patients in the entire region and I’m excited that we have reached this significant milestone in the bidding process.”

The project includes a three-storey new addition to the hospital and renovations to parts of the current facility, as well as an inter-faith sacred space on the main floor of the new building for traditional, sacred cultural and healing practices. Through an Aboriginal stakeholder group, Williams Lake area First Nations, Métis and Urban Aboriginal groups have and will continue to provide guidance and input into the redevelopment.

Five teams responded to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) which closed on July 15, 2020. The following companies (in alphabetical order) were shortlisted based on their design and construction experience:

 Bird Design-Build Construction Inc.

 Graham Design Builders LP

 PCL West Coast Constructors LTD

The three shortlisted teams are now in possession of a request for proposals (RFP); the next step on the road to the CMH Redevelopment. The RFP asks teams to prepare more detailed proposals and it is anticipated a preferred proponent will be selected in spring 2021.

“CMH Redevelopment is a top priority for Interior Health,” Interior Health board chair Doug Cochrane. “Improving services and enhancing culturally-sensitive health care for the people of Williams Lake and the Cariboo is very important. Today’s milestone brings us one step closer to starting construction.”

CMH Redevelopment will take place in two phases. Phase one will construct a three-storey addition while phase two will renovate the existing site. Features of the project include a new and expanded emergency department, expanded ambulatory care and maternal and women’s health units, a dedicated mental health and substance use inpatient unit, a multi-purpose gathering room and space for the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine programs.

“I am thrilled that the procurement process is progressing toward finding a proponent for this important project,” said Bob Simpson, Chair of the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District. “The redevelopment of Cariboo Memorial Hospital is an important investment in health care for the community of Williams Lake and for the entire Cariboo region.” CMH Redevelopment is a $217.8-million renovation and expansion project that will modernize Cariboo Memorial Hospital.

The Ministry of Health is contributing 60 per cent of the budget while the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District is funding 40 per cent.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

December 23rd, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement of BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 518 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 48,027 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 9,137 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 348 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 80 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Currently, 9,689 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases (this excludes the Northern Health Authority) and a further 36,952 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Since we last reported, we have had 97 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 332 new cases in the Fraser Health region, nine in the Island Health region, 49 in the Interior Health region, 31 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“Since the start of immunizations, 5,603 people have received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in B.C.

“Today, the federal government approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This is another encouraging step forward for all of us.

“Starting next week, the Moderna vaccine will be arriving in B.C., with some of the initial doses delivered to rural and isolated First Nations communities. Unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, this vaccine has fewer delivery restrictions, making it easier to provide immunizations in rural and remote communities.

“There have been 19 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 796 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have had two new health-care facility outbreaks at Evergreen Baptist Care Society and Minoru Residence. The outbreaks at Fellburn Care Centre and Villa Carital are over. There have been no new community outbreaks.

“As today’s modelling has clearly shown, while the provincial health officer’s (PHO) orders and restrictions are difficult for all of us, they work. The fewer people we see, the safer we are.

“The data has also shown us that community transmission affects people of all ages. But, unfortunately, it is our seniors and elders who continue to be the ones that are most likely to become seriously ill or worse.

“In the last month, our focus has been to encourage everyone in the province to reduce their in-person social interactions as much as possible, and the orders we have in place right now support these efforts.

“Today, a new PHO order for industrial camps in the Northern Health region has been put in place. This order will allow for a phased approach to resuming activities at these projects, while protecting health and safety and protecting the health-care system.

“The nature of an industrial work camp means employees frequently travel to and from these work camps. At the start of the year, these camps typically have an influx of employees returning to the site. Combined, these factors mean a higher potential for spread amongst employees and in their home communities.

“We are already seeing many small, rural and remote communities in the North under strain. This order will help ease the pressure at the start of the year.

“With Christmas two days away, we remind everyone to keep your celebrations small and avoid travel to other communities unless it is absolutely necessary. Show you care by staying away.

“For those who live alone, you do not need to be alone. Rather, choose one small group of one or two other people you are going to spend time with over the holidays – whether at your home or theirs.

“This is a special time for many of us and having those connections with the people we love and care for is important. We encourage you to have a small, safe and happy holiday, so we can all have a safer year ahead.”

Learn More:

For updated provincial health officer's (PHO) orders and new guidance:

For details on new restrictions, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

For updated PHO orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Find out where to get tested:

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health, anxiety and other supports:

For more information on overdoses, visit: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca

People in BC experiencing violence can access VictimLink, a toll-free, confidential multilingual service available 24/7 by calling or texting 1 800 563-0808 or emailing: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.