B.C. Premier John Horgan announced the opening date for a new urgent and primary care centre in the James Bay neighbourhood of Victoria.
The James Bay Urgent and Primary Care Centre will open on April 28 at the James Bay Community Project at 547 Michigan Street.
It will be the third urgent and primary care centre on Vancouver Island. There are already ones in the West Shore and in Nanaimo. Services offered at urgent and primary care services include drop-in services and access to mental health and substance use supports
Horgan made the announcement during a press conference on April 22.
During the press conference, Horgan also spoke about Alert Bay’s state of emergency due to COVID-19 and some Vancouver Island mayors’ request for more travel restriction during the May long weekend.
Horgan said it’s important to note that the virus “found” Alert Bay mayor Dennis Buchanan showing that community spread can happen between people who reside there already.
“I’m reluctant to put restrictions for Canadians travelling, put restrictions in place for British Columbians travelling beyond what Dr. Henry has already said,” Horgan said.
“If you do not need to travel, if your travel is not essential, stay home. I think if we adhere to those principles, we’ll be fine.”
Horgan said as an Islander himself, he appreciates the concerns from mayors and will be looking at the issue closely.
“As we get closer to the May long weekend, I’m hopeful that we will have a whole bunch of positive initiatives in communities that will put the ferry issue to one side. I don’t want to be dismissive about it but it’s weeks for now and I’m living this day by day,” Horgan said.
Horgan says he wants to be cautious about opening the province after COVID-19.
He said during the press conference that the two recent outbreaks at the Mission prison and a Vancouver poultry processing plant are warnings that the public can’t be complacent about the virus.
Horgan said he’ll follow the science for advice of lifting of restrictions in the weeks ahead.
He says B.C. residents don’t want to give up the progress they’ve made by easing restrictions too quickly.
You can watch the press conference below:
With files from The Canadian Press
CHEK News
