COVID-19 regional snapshot for April 28

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Posted: April 28, 2020

NEW provincial updates surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic (as of 3 p.m. PDT on Monday, April 28), as compiled by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

Cases:

Total confirmed cases in B.C. (since January): 2,053

New cases since April 27: 55

Hospitalized cases: 94

Intensive Care: 37

COVID-19 related deaths: 105

Recovered: 1,231

Long term care/assisted living homes affected: 20

Acute-care unit outbreaks: 3

Confirmed cases by region:

Vancouver Coastal Health: 803

Fraser Health: 918

Island Health: 119

Interior Health: 168

Northern Health: 45

NEW Provincial Updates

The majority of the new cases are associated with the ongoing community outbreaks in B.C. There are now 46 people associated with the Superior Poultry Plant and 34 associated with the United Poultry Plant who have tested positive.
An additional two inmates have tested positive at the Mission federal corrections centre. There are now 120 inmates and staff confirmed positive at the centre, as well as 11 positive cases of COVID-19 connected to the Kearl Lake plant in Alberta.
The province is taking a whole-of-government approach to designing the B.C. plan for the next phase of the pandemic response to increase our social and economic connections.
Of the 94 people in hospital in B.C., five are in Interior Health. One of the two deaths in the past 24 hours was in Interior Health.
B.C. is keeping pace for demand for personal protective equipment in the health care system. Since last Tuesday, B.C. has received 170,000⁺ N95 respirators, 350,000⁺ face shields and goggles, 100,000⁺ surgical masks, 185,000⁺ gowns and almost 5 million pairs of gloves.
Food trucks are being set up at provincially owned locations throughout B.C. to support commercial truck drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vendors are operating at rest areas, weigh scales and other commercial truck pullouts throughout the Lower Mainland and southern Interior, with more expected to be added in the coming weeks.
High-quality care for animals in B.C.’s shelters, SPCA facilities, zoos and aquariums will continue during the COVID-19 response, with funding available to help cover the costs of food and medicine for animals. Dozens of animal attractions and care facilities, including those operated by the BC SPCA, have been closed to the public resulting in a dramatic decrease in the donation of food, supplies and volunteers.

NEW FEDERAL Updates

Today is the National Day of Mourning, where we remember those who lost their lives or suffered serious injuries as a result of workplace incidents.

As of 7:01 EDT today, 754,800 Canadians have been tested, with 50,015 positive cases and 2,859 COVID-19 related deaths.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said today that new modelling shows public health measures are working to slow the spread of COVID-19, but cautioned that easing restrictions too fast could negate the progress made to date.

While the number of new cases was doubling every three days previously, it’s now doubling every 16 days.

Prior to stronger public health measures, each infected person in Canada infected 2.19 people on average. Today, the average is just over one person. The goal is to have the average under one, which would result in the epidemic dying out.

Epidemic growth has leveled off in some provinces; however, cases in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta are driving recent national epidemic growth.

Approximately 79 per cent of the deaths across Canada are occurring in long-term care facilities and seniors’ homes.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Horgan met to discuss actions being taken by both governments related to the COVID-19 response.

The First Ministers continue to meet to coordinate and collaborate on restarting the economy through a gradual and phased approach.

Mental Health Supports During COVID-19

Stress, anxiety, and depression are not unusual for people of all ages and it can be heightened during this pandemic. There are a few things each of us can do to help manage the effects, including: following factual information, limiting social media time, reaching out to others to stay connected and seek support, eating healthy and getting quality sleep, and seeking help if we need it. The Crisis Line provides 24/7 support at 1-888-353-2273 and there are other resources available.

BC Resources:

BounceBack™ – provides free access to online, video and phone-based coaching and skills-building program. Seniors, adults and youth who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry, can receive care. Register for programs and connect with a coach at BounceBack™: https://bouncebackbc.ca/

VictimLinkBC – a toll-free, confidential service available providing immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence 24 hours a day. Call 1-800-563-0808 or by email at [email protected].

Virtual Counselling – Virtual low or no cost community counselling for individuals or groups: https://cmha.bc.ca/covid-19/

Peer Support and System Navigation – Virtual mentoring and goal-oriented supports offered by peer support and system navigation workers: https://cmha.bc.ca/covid-19/

Living Life to the Full – Free access to Living Life to the Full peer support and practical skills courses for coping with stress, problem solving and boosting mood. The 8-week course is led by a trained facilitator: https://livinglifetothefull.ca/

Mental Health Check-in – This free, anonymous self-assessment tool helps you understand how you are feeling and reflect on your mental, physical and social well-being: https://cmhabc.force.com/MentalHealthCheckIn/s/

COVID-19 Psychological Support Service – Free psychological first aid is available to all B.C. residents (19+) over the phone: https://www.psychologists.bc.ca/covid-19-resources

National Resources:

Wellness Together Canada – free online resources and connections to mental health professionals for adults and youth. https://ca.portal.gs/

Anxiety Canada – join their next virtual town hall at Noon (MDT) May 7th as experts discuss tolerating uncertainty, plus check out other resources and previous town halls: www.anxietycanada.com

EXPANDED TESTING IN INTERIOR HEALTH

BC has expanded it’s COVID-19 testing strategy to include anyone with cold, influenza or COVID-19 like symptoms, even if they are mild. Testing is not recommended for people without symptoms. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including the flu and common cold. They include:

fever;

chills;

cough;

shortness of breath;

sore throat;

painful swallowing;

stuffy or runny nose;

loss of sense of smell;

headache;

muscle aches;

fatigue;

loss of appetite.

Testing is available by appointment at testing centres in Cranbrook, Sparwood, and Golden. For more information, visit the Interior Health site at: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/testing-information/.

RESOURCES:

Link to Alberta COVID-19 Information / Statistics:

COVID-19 Info for Albertans: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

Phone Numbers:

888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319). Non-health COVID-19 information. Open 7 days/wk, from 8:30am to 9pm MST

811 – dial 811 for health related information on COVID-19

211 – seniors looking for help (or volunteers willing to help), can call 211 or visit: http://www.bc211.ca/

Crisis Line: 1.888.353.2273 – free, anonymous support

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

Online Links:

COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool & App – use this online tool to complete a self-assessment & get updates.

BC Centre for Disease Control – includes information on their testing protocols.