Seventh case of novel coronavirus but spread risk still low

BC’s Health Minister and provincial health officer released a joint statement today to update the public on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in British Columbia.

“We are announcing a seventh case of COVID-19 in B.C. The person affected was in close contact with the previously reported sixth case announced on Feb. 20, 2020. Both cases remain in isolation at home with support and monitoring from public health teams.

“The individual has been confirmed positive based on BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) testing. The individual is male, in his 40s and lives in the Fraser Health region,” the statement by Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry reads (see full text here).

“Of these seven cases, the first case has recovered, as indicated by the resolution of symptoms, followed by two successive negative test results 24 hours apart. The other six B.C. patients with COVID-19 remain in self-isolation at home and under care by public-health teams.  

“The risk of spread of this virus within British Columbia continues to remain low at this time. We are watching recent global developments very closely and will continue to adapt our response to developing evidence and ongoing assessment of COVID-19 should it be required. We will notify the public if the measures in B.C. change.”

The statement reminds travellers returning to BC to closely monitor themselves and their children. If any symptoms arise, people are reminded to limit their contact with others and contact their primary care provider, local public health office or call 811 (which has translation services available in more than 130 languages).