One of the largest COVID-19 outbreaks in B.C. at the Mission Institution in the Fraser Valley is over.
“It means we have no new cases for two incubation periods,” said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. “And as you know that is one of the largest outbreaks we’ve had in the province, and it took an incredible effort.”
There were 120 people who had COVID-19 at that jail, and one of those people died.
“It required a lot of coordination as well with our federal partners, especially Correctional Services Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada,” she added. “And the protocols that were developed have really been, now, expanded and put in place at federal institutions across the country.”
In declaring that outbreak over, Dr. Henry announced nine new cases of COVID-19 across B.C., including one across Interior Health. She also announced two more deaths from the virus, both in the Fraser Health region, bringing up the provincial total to 164.
There have now been 2,558 reported cases across the province, although 84 per cent of those cases (2,153) are now considered to have recovered. There are now 241 active cases, with 33 people in hospital, of which six are in critical care. The number of active cases as well as people in hospital is down from Wednesday’s update.
Farmers Markets allowed to sell non-food items again
As well, Dr. Henry says farmers markets across the province are once again allowed to sell non-food items, which had been restricted because of the pandemic.
Its a step closer to ensuring farmers’ markets return to the state there were in before COVID-19 rolled in.
“This new revision of the order removes the prohibition on selling merchandise, (which are) non-food items,” Henry said, noting the move is keeping with the opening up of retail stores as part of Phase 2 of the province’s restart plan.
She says farmers markets will also be able to set up tables for people to eat while on site, similar to restaurants as they too gradually open up.
“It will be small numbers, and just spaced apart,” she added. “We know how important it is to have these community places where we can buy fresh food and where we can have access to some of the local crafts and arts.”
Henry though cautioned British Columbians that these are still early days and the effect of loosening restrictions will become cleared in mind-June, after the province has been through a couple of incubation periods. At that time, Henry says the province will have the data it needs to determine further changes to restrictions.
“Our slow and thoughtful approach will continue as that is our new normal,” Henry noted.
