Give more information on virus locations

When the number of new COVID-19 cases in B.C. is announced, it is given for each of the five health authorities. The Vancouver Island Health Authority includes not only Vancouver Island but also islands and part of the mainland.

A more exact location of new cases can and should be given. This is possible because the health authorities are divided into health service delivery areas which in turn are further subdivided into local health areas.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority has three health service delivery areas: South Vancouver Island, Central Vancouver Island and North Vancouver Island. (North Vancouver Island includes part of the mainland.)

Each of these health service delivery areas is further divided, so there are 14 local health areas in the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

When a cluster of cases occur, the location is given as in Kelowna, or when outbreaks occur in care homes the name of the care home is given.

The name of the local health area where new cases occur should also be given.

This would be an encouragement at the local level to continue practising social distancing and washing hands because of its success so far. But it would also be a reminder to residents to be even more vigilant.

There is no reason to withhold the local health area location of new cases from the public. This is important information that will help to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Louise Manga Victoria