Few faces, big spaces to combat contagion
And don’t share drinks, ‘tokes,’ ‘cartoon’ Dr. Bonnie implores
A COVID-19 contagion that spread from parties in Kelowna has now infected 137 people, officials say.
About 60 per cent of those individuals have recovered, Interior Health said Friday.
“The increases in Kelowna started with a relatively small number of positive cases. The spread from these gatherings shows just how important it is to keep to (provincial health officer) Dr. Bonnie Henry’s recommendation of fewer faces, bigger spaces,” IH medical health officer Dr. Silvina Mema said.
On Thursday, the number of people infected as a result of the Kelowna COVID-19 exposures around Canada Day was listed at 130.
“Here’s what to avoid this August long weekend,” Mema said. “Large gatherings, especially indoors, of people who don’t know each other. We are urging everyone this long weekend to keep your gatherings small; to people you know; to those in your bubble.”
Across all of the Interior Health region, nine more COVID-19 cases were confirmed between Thursday and Friday, making the total since the onset of the pandemic 369. No new cases have been detected among employees of Kelowna General Hospital.
Eight hospital workers caught COVID-19 as a result of the Kelowna community exposures. No one is currently hospitalized in Interior Health as a result of COVID-19.
50 NEW CASES IN B.C.
Across B.C., 50 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed between Thursday and Friday. One additional fatality due to the disease was announced, making the death toll since the start of the pandemic 195.
One new outbreak was confirmed at a health-care facility, the Dania Home in the Fraser Valley Health region. No new community outbreaks were announced. On Friday, the government announced a new “Good Times Guide,” a website (goodtimes.gov.bc.ca) that offers suggestions on ways people can socialize and have fun while still guarding against the spread of COVID-19.
The site is oriented toward young adults.
“People in their ’20s to ’40s have spread the virus to friends, families, and strangers at house parties, bars, restaurants, and more,” the website states, alongside a cartoon-like image of health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
One of the suggestions is: “Don’t pass around drinks, smokes, tokes and vapes. Now is not the time for sharing anything that’s been in your mouth.” GUIDELINES FOR UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES VICTORIA — New COVID-19 guidelines for postsecondary institutions, ranging from transportation to support for international students, have been released as colleges and universities gear up for the start of classes in the fall.
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Melanie Mark says in a statement that the “Go Forward” guidelines will provide greater certainty to staff, students and faculty.
She says the guidelines provide a minimum standard for institutions to follow.
Mark says her ministry will work with the sector toward a full reopening, when it’s safe.
She expects all 25 of B.C.’s post-secondary institutions to adopt the guidelines in a bit to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The roadmap was produced by the post-secondary sector with support from the advanced education ministry.