Health authorities in BC have tested as many as 114 samples for the Coronavirus. Only one result has so far been positive.
The first presumptive case of Coronavirus came back positive on Tuesday, Jan. 27, following which the samples were sent to the National Medical Laboratory in Winnipeg for additional testing.
On Wednesday, Jan. 28, it was confirmed that those tests returned positive for the virus,
As of today, B.C. continues to have only one confirmed case.
“We want to reassure people that the risk of this virus spreading within British Columbia remains low at this time. All necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of infection. We have multiple systems in place to prepare for, detect and respond to prevent the spread of serious infectious diseases in the province,” Adrian Dix, Minister of Health said in an update.
It is not necessary for the general public to take special precautions beyond the usual measures recommended to prevent other common respiratory viruses during winter, the government said.
Regular handwashing, coughing or sneezing into elbow sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately and avoiding contact with sick people are important ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, generally.
“Anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of, the coronavirus should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 811. Translation services for 811 are available in more than 130 languages.”
Going forward, an update on the number of people that have been tested can be accessed at the BC Centre for Disease Control.
