Close X
Sunday, December 1, 2024
ADVT 
National

Fraser Health opening new COVID-19 testing centre

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 03 Nov, 2020 10:37 PM
  • Fraser Health opening new COVID-19 testing centre

Another COVID-19 testing centre is being opened in the Fraser Health region, the epicentre for British Columbia's rising case counts.

Fraser Health president Dr. Victoria Lee says most of their latest infections are linked to other known cases and clusters, indicating public health officials are identifying and following up with people to curb the spread of the illness.

The newest centre will be open by Nov. 12 in North Surrey and will process between 500 and 800 tests each day with people dropping in or booking an appointment.

Of the 1,120 people who tested positive over three days ending Monday in B.C., 830 of them were in the Fraser Health region.

There are 2,315 active infections in Fraser Health and Lee says public health workers have followed up with more than 29,000 of their contacts.

Lee reiterated public health messaging that even small gatherings are risky and the so-called "safe six" contacts should also be the same six people.

Dr. Elizabeth Brodkin, chief medical health officer for Fraser Health, added the health authority has ordered and distributed 30 per cent more influenza vaccine this year than it did last year.

"We are actively working with the province to secure more vaccine and that is on its way," she said.

There are now 30 known cases of COVID-19 associated with a dance studio in Chilliwack, said Brodkin, noting there have been some exposures but no transmission within schools in the area as a result of that outbreak.

"One of the things that we have observed (is) that large groups of people exercising together, whether that's in a gym or another setting, does appear to be a higher-risk setting for COVID-19 spread and therefore we will be looking closely at these settings over the coming days and weeks," she said.

The dance studio had a COVID-19 safety plan in place, Brodkin said.

MORE National ARTICLES

Steep drop in right whale population raises fears

Steep drop in right whale population raises fears
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that as of January 2019, an estimated 366 North Atlantic right whales remained in the ocean, down from the previous count of 412 in 2018. Oceana Canada campaign director Kim Elmslie said the decline is "a reality check."

Steep drop in right whale population raises fears

Innovation minister defends 'superclusters'

Innovation minister defends 'superclusters'
The B.C.-based Digital Technology supercluster invested recently in a machine-learning chest X-ray tool that helps doctors identify lung abnormalities.

Innovation minister defends 'superclusters'

Meng lawyer accuses RCMP officer of lying

Meng lawyer accuses RCMP officer of lying
Yep is the first in a series of witnesses called to testify at the request of Meng's defence team, which is gathering evidence for arguments it will make next year that she was subjected to an abuse of process.

Meng lawyer accuses RCMP officer of lying

$16 Million in Federal Funding for Affordable Housing Allocated to Surrey

$16 Million in Federal Funding for Affordable Housing Allocated to Surrey
The injection of money is a result of the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative and will create a minimum of 33 units of new permanent affordable housing in Surrey.

$16 Million in Federal Funding for Affordable Housing Allocated to Surrey

Vancouver Police shares message on how to celebrate a fun and safe COVID19 Halloween

Vancouver Police shares message on how to celebrate a fun and safe COVID19 Halloween
Halloween is all about being spooky and having fun but here is a quick video from the VPD that highlights on how to be safe during this tricky COVID19 Halloween.

Vancouver Police shares message on how to celebrate a fun and safe COVID19 Halloween

Speedy trip leads to seizure of “magic mushrooms" by Surrey RCMP

Speedy trip leads to seizure of “magic mushrooms
As the investigation unfolded, officers observed items consistent with illicit drug possession and arrested the driver.

Speedy trip leads to seizure of “magic mushrooms" by Surrey RCMP