Emergency Operations Centre COVID-19 Update #36
By Contributor
Submitted by City of Nelson Emergency Operations Centre
Premier Horgan Outlines Phased Plan to Restart B.C. Safely
In a press briefing today, Premier John Horgan outlined the path ahead for all of us in BC’s Restart Plan, which includes a four-phased approach to move forward safely, beginning mid-May.
Premier Horgan said that “COVID-19 has taken something from all of us, some more than others.”
“We’re going to get through this, and we’re going to come back even stronger,” he added.
Under B.C.’s Restart Plan, government will work closely with public health officials, businesses and labour organizations to lift restrictions in phases, gradually allowing for more social and economic activity, while closely monitoring health information to minimize the risk to the public.
“Our plan puts safety first. British Columbians have made enormous sacrifices so far, and it’s thanks to them that we’re able to begin to lift some restrictions,” Horgan said.
“We’ll allow activities to resume as the evidence and experts tell us it is appropriate to do so. By moving carefully and deliberately, we will help British Columbians get to a ‘new normal,’ where more of our social and economic life can resume.”
Premier Horgan reminded the public on the importance of continuing the recommended measures that we all have adopted over the last 100 days, including hand washing, physical distancing and staying close to home.
He went on to detail the importance of keeping our gatherings small and our social circles tight as we move through the various phases of the Plan. Both the Premier and the Public Health Officer said we will not be gathering in large groups any time soon.
Phase I (Where we are today)
Phase 2 of BC Restart Plan, which will begin in mid-May, includes:
- small social gatherings;
- a resumption of elective surgeries and regulated health services like physiotherapy, dentistry, chiropractors and in-person counselling;
- provincial parks open for day use;
- opening more non-essential businesses in keeping with safe operations plans;
- recalling the provincial legislature for regular sittings;
- ·See link for further details.
Phase 3, June – September (If transmission rates remain low or in decline)
Phase 4, Time Frame TBD, (Conditional on at least one of: wide vaccination; “community” immunity; broad successful treatment
Province Selects Group to Lead Anti-Racism Program
Additional supports for communities will be available following a rise in racist incidents targeting Asian people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is very concerning that we are seeing an increase in racially motivated attacks toward people of Asian heritage since the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Citizens’ Services and responsible for Multiculturalism.
“These incidents are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are acting now to address racism at the community level and ensure all British Columbians are free from discrimination and intimidation.”
The BC Government has provided the following information today:
COVID-19 Case Statistics:
- Total cases in B.C. to date: 2,255 — 852 in Vancouver Coastal Health; 1046 in Fraser Health; 124 in Island Health; 179 in Interior Health (Increase of 2 in 24hrs); 54 in Northern Health
- Total fatalities in B.C. to date: 124 (Increase of 3 in 24hrs)
- Total new cases in BC: 23
- Total who have fully recovered: 1,494
- Total cases in Canada to date: 63,496
- Total fatalities in Canada to date: 4,232
