Dramatically rising case counts of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Ontario, Quebec and around the world has British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix warning about a “time to exercise caution.”
Dix says the province supports the federal government’s call to advise Canadians against international travel over the holiday season due to the rising threat of the Omicron variant.
He says B.C. is also considering implementing further public health orders on large and small public and private gatherings in an effort to limit the spread of the highly transmissible variant.
Dix says he expects a decision on expanded public health orders on gatherings, which could include Vancouver Canucks games and informal private parties, to come early next week.
Ontario has introduced 50 per cent capacity limits at large sporting events, including on games played by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
But Dix says B.C. will not follow Ontario when it comes to providing third-dose COVID-19 vaccine booster shots immediately to all residents who are 18 years and older.
Additionally, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, insisted there’s no need for more restrictions, right now.
“I think what we have tried to do is put in place the restrictions in those areas where we know transmission is the highest risk. We have in place fairly strong restrictions around events and gatherings.”
That doesn’t sit well with doctors working in the province’s hospitals, including Dr. Amy Tan with Protect our Province BC.
“If the projections are in the two to four thousand cases a day, that we are going to get. We need to do something about that.”
Alberta is giving out 500,000 free rapid antigen tests, that can give results in 15 minutes.
They’re available in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI.
Dr. Tan said B.C. is getting left behind in regards to Omicron.
“We need to increase testing capacity. We need the rapid tests to the public first of all.”
B.C.’s Interim Liberal leader, Shirley Bond, said the province is failing residents.
“It’s time for the government to do everything possible to try and manage the risk. Particularly with the addition of this latest variant.”
Free public rapid testing will not be available to British Columbians until January.
With files from the Canadian Press
The Canadian Press
