New case of coronavirus in BC; patient in critical condition at VGH

BC Government has announced one new cases of COVID-19 in B.C, whose is at the Vancouver General Hospital in critical condition.

The new case is a woman in her 80s who lives in the Vancouver Coastal Health region and recently returned from travel to India and Hong Kong.

She has other underlying medical conditions and is isolated in the intensive care unit at Vancouver General Hospital in critical condition.

She has no connection to any previously confirmed cases.

A small number of her close contacts have been identified and contacted by public health officials. They will be supported to self-isolate for 14 days and are being monitored for symptoms, BC government said.

Four B.C. patients have now fully recovered, and the other individuals with COVID-19 are in isolation at home with support and monitoring from public health teams.

Vancouver Coastal Health continues to actively investigate these new cases. Close contacts are being identified and contacted by public health officials. Those who may be at risk are requested to self-isolate for 14 days and are being actively monitored for symptoms.

The government said it is asking all travellers returning from Iran and China to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return home to Canada.

British Columbians with upcoming travel plans are being asked to continue to monitor the Government of Canada travel site for the latest travel advisories: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

“Travellers should understand that as global efforts to contain COVID-19 continue, the availability of health care services in some areas may be limited and travel restrictions may be put in place suddenly,” BC said.

All other travellers who are returning to, or visiting, B.C. from outside Canada should monitor themselves and their children closely for symptoms and if any arise, limit their contact with others and call 811.