The number of coronavirus cases in Canada rises to 33
Canada has a total of 33 coronavirus cases after B.C. officials confirmed four new cases on Tuesday afternoon, bringing the province's total to 12 cases.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says that three of the patients recently returned from Iran.
One patient is a man in his 50s, one is a man in his 60s and one is an adult woman. The province has minimal information on the woman’s case.
The fourth case is a woman in her 30s who is a family relation of a previously identified B.C. case, also linked to Iran.
Joint statement on one new case of COVID-19 in B.C. by Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Provincial Chief Officer of Health Dr. Bonnie Henry: https://t.co/mwoNRzAqzV #COVID19 #coronavirus #bchc
— Prov Health Services (@PHSAofBC) March 3, 2020
There have been 80,000+ reported cases of coronavirus spread across 60+ countries; Ontario currently has 20 confirmed cases of coronavirus, while Quebec has only one case.
Henry said, "We ask all British Columbians to stay home and away from others if you or your family are sick. We recommend cleaning your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve and disposing of tissues appropriately."
"To further contain transmission, we also recommend suspending usual greetings such as handshakes, hugs and kisses."
B.C. health officials are asking all travellers returning from Iran and China to self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to Canada.
"We ask all travellers returning from Iran and China to self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival in Canada." - Joint statement on COVID-19 by Minister of Health Adrian Dix and B.C. Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry: https://t.co/h9mWLgtcvj #COVID19 #coronavirus #bchc
— BCCDC (@CDCofBC) March 3, 2020
Henry also added that there is "no requirement" for British Columbia residents to stockpile supplies — likely in response to locals cleaning out Costco stores over the weekend.
Farther south, Washington has declared a state of emergency after reporting 18 confirmed cases of coronavirus and nine deaths.
Currently, B.C. officials are not implementing any travel bans to and from Washington state.
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