Confirmed cases in BC are continuing to increase. The vast majority of cases are in the Fraser Health Area. Confirmed cases in the Interior Health Area and more specifically the Kootenay Boundary Health Service Delivery Area remain relatively low. Social gatherings are where we are seeing significant transmission of COVID-19 in our province. Even though our numbers remain low, it’s important to not become complacent.
Remember the basics. Keep your group small, wash your hands, carry a mask just in case you need it and if you feel sick stay home.
Where are we at?
According to the BC Centre for Disease Control (CDC), new case count numbers in the Interior were at 74 over the past week. As shown in the graph below, there’s been a spike in October. However, most cases are reported in the Okanagan area. The following map shows the Kootenay Boundary (KB), in which Nelson is located, at 5 cases in the past 2 weeks.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/a6f23959a8b14bfa989e3cda29297ded
http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/PublishingImages/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/case-counts-press-statements/covid19_hsda_cumulative_14days_20201029.png
News
The Province has changed its weekly Situation Reports and is now available on Fridays at 5:00 PM. These reports provide an in-depth update of the COVID-19 situation in BC.
http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID_sitrep/Week_43_BC_COVID_19_Situation_Report.pdf
Some of the key highlights from week 43:
Case Counts
The following graph shows case counts by health area (Nelson is located in the IHA). The grey line shows the total case counts reported by date. As of week 41, case counts are rapidly rising in BC. However, it is important to consider the spatial distribution of reported cases. The Fraser Health Area (FHA) remains the hot spot in BC accounting for the majority of cases.
Number of Cases Versus Hospitalizations
Nearly 80% of cases in BC accrued after Phase 3a re-opening. However, most hospitalizations and deaths occurred before Phase 3a.
Limits on Gathering:
A recent Public Health Officer order limits all households gathering to no more than your immediate household (people living at a home) plus 6 others.
More information can be found at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/gatherings-at-private-homes#order