No new cases of COVID-19 in Northern Health, Henry sympathizes with youth

May 2, 2020 | 12:32 PM

VICTORIA — There are 26 new positive cases of COVID-19 in BC bringing the total to 2,171 cases. That includes 49 in the Northern Health region meaning no new cases in our region since the last update. Two more deaths were reported to bring the total provincewide to 114. Meanwhile, 1,376 have fully recovered.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry made it a point to acknowledge the unique difficulties youth face through social distancing. Speaking directly to youth, she said, “I want you to know that you’re not alone. we understand that this can be very anxiety-provoking, we understand that there are a lot of things we don’t know, and we are working through it together. If you need help. there are people here to help.”

She referenced specifically the Kids Help Line, which is 1-800-680-4264.

One of the “more challenging” issues, according to Dr. Henry, is the increasing number of cases related to the Kearl Lake plant in Alberta. “It’s a very challenging outbreak we know. There is a large number of people who work on that project in Alberta and we know there are cases continuing to be identified in Alberta and here in British Columbia.

“Here in BC, we are requiring people who are coming back from working in that facility to self-isolate whilst they are in BC. This is essential work and people are going back and forth for work, but as cases continue to be found both in Alberta and here in BC, this is vitally important for us in British Columbia that anybody who has been at the site since March 24, need to follow our requirement in British Columbia when they are home.”