B.C. Ministry of Health to Provide Update on Respiratory Illness Season
The B.C. Ministry of Health has announced that a press conference will be held on Friday to provide an update on the ongoing respiratory illness season. Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry are expected to discuss the ongoing immunization campaign for flu and COVID-19.
The press conference is scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. and will be live streamed on Global News.
Surrey Memorial Hospital Prepares for Potential Surges
The government is actively working to avoid surges in flu and COVID-19 cases at hospitals across the province. Some municipalities, like Surrey, are already taking proactive measures. Surrey Memorial Hospital has recently deployed a portable building that will serve as a temporary pediatric emergency waiting area. This is to prepare for potential surges in pediatric volumes during the winter months.
Fraser Health, the health authority responsible for the hospital, stated that this waiting area will provide comfort and reassurance to children and their families as they receive care. The COVID-19 pandemic and previous surges have shown the need for proactive preparation.
Health Minister Adrian Dix emphasized the importance of being prepared and acknowledged that if the respiratory season is not as severe as anticipated, the preparations may not be necessary.
Decrease in COVID-19 Activity in B.C.
New data suggests that the recent surge in COVID-19 activity in British Columbia is beginning to subside. The number of hospitalizations, deaths, and positive tests has significantly decreased. According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, COVID-19 activity appears to have peaked in early October.
Influenza activity has slightly increased but remains at a level comparable to before the COVID-19 pandemic. The centre cautions that the data regarding deaths is preliminary, but overall, deaths related to COVID-19 remain relatively stable.
Continued Monitoring and Preparedness
While the decrease in COVID-19 activity is encouraging, ongoing monitoring and preparedness are crucial to prevent further surges. The government remains committed to avoiding strains on the health-care system and will continue to provide updates on the respiratory illness season.
Stay informed by signing up for newsletters and breaking news email alerts.
Source: Global News