B.C.’s top doctor says she is saddened when she hears of businesses that are unable to weather the economic impacts caused by COVID-19.

Speaking on Saturday, Dr. Bonnie Henry says it is a challenge – as evidenced by record unemployment numbers in April – but notes that the best defence against worsening economic impacts is to control the spread of the virus.

“That is why it is so important for us to keep doing what we are doing to get this virus under control, and to keep those measures on over the coming weeks,” Henry said.

She noted that she is also heartened by the way some businesses have improvised how they do things in order to try to weather the storm.

“So there’s a mixture of online and in-store experiences for people. You know, virtual gym sessions for example,” Henry said. “So there’s many things that we are seeing that are coming out of this that will be good for us in the coming months and days.”

Henry says officials are cautiously trying to get the economy in the province going again, as evidenced in a four-phase plan that was released on May 6. She adds by staying disciplined, British Columbians can ensure the virus doesn’t come roaring back when restrictions are eased in the weeks to come.

“This a very trying time. These are things that I am very sensitive to and its going to be a challenging year, but the focus that we need to have is controlling this virus and that’s what allows us to get everything else up and going again,” added Henry.