British Columbians are again flattening the COVID-19 curve, according to new modelling data, while school exposures continue and other parts of Canada struggle with a second wave. Dr. Bonnie Henry says “We are flattening our curve,” There were 358 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, as well as four more deaths, all in the Lower Mainland. Earlier in the day, the Fraser Health Authority announced a partial closure of Delta Hospital, where seven people have died from COVID-19 since Sept. 16 and as many as 36 more patients and staff have become infected. Henry also confirmed outbreaks at three care homes — Langley Lodge, White Rock Seniors Village, and Chartwell Crescent Gardens —as well as one at Delta Distribution, a packaging facility where 23 employees initially tested positive for COVID-19. We also learned yesterday that even with students returning to schools last month, the majority of cases continue to be in the 20-29 and 30-39 age groups.
B-C health officials are reporting 102 new cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths. That brings the death toll in the province to 244. Provincial health officer Doctor Bonnie Henry says active cases
ticked up to one-thousand-384 with 71 people in hospital, including 16 in intensive care. with a new exposure, being the fourth one at Rosemary Heights Elementary. Henry says the latest modelling data shows individual actions make a difference and B-C is starting to flatten the curve of the pandemic once again as a result of public health measures
Guitar rock god Eddie Van Halen has died at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancel Edward Van Halen was known blinding speed, control and innovation and with that he propelled his band Van Halen into one of hard rock’s biggest groups. Van Halen is among the top 20 bestselling artists of all time and the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Halloween will look very different this year, thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The BC Centre for Disease Control is rolling out new guidelines for those who want to celebrate the holiday. You’re being told to stick to your social bubble, and to skip indoor house parties where the risk of transmission increases. Kids can still trick or treat but they’re being told stay in small groups and stay local instead of visiting multiple neighborhoods. For those handing out treats, the BCCDC is suggesting using tongs, standing outside while giving out candy, and only handing out wrapped candy.
It was all about the vaccine on the campaign trail yesterday. The leaders of the two major parties say they are in agreement on at least one subject. Speaking at an online town hall meeting last night, John Horgan announced his party’s plan to make a COVID-19 vaccine free to anyone who wants it in the province. A short while after, Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson echoed the sentiment on Twitter, saying a “life-saving vaccine” should be free for everyone. The election is on October 24th.
Three people have been seriously hurt after two separate incidences last night, including, a three-year-old child who is in critical condition. The child and their mother were hit while crossing the street in Coquitlam near Pinetree Way around 6:30pm. The child is fighting for their life, and the toddler’s mother was also seriously hurt. RCMP says the driver did stay around after the crash and cooperated with police. In Langley, another collision around 7 p.m. resulted in a motorcyclist being taken to hospital in critical condition.
Police released surveillance images Monday, saying they were taken from an incident in the evening of Aug. 11, when four young men allegedly entered the Sophie’s Place parking lot, then damaged some property. According to the RCMP, three of the four suspects were seen jumping on the hood of an unmarked police car. Then, all four allegedly went into the centre’s playground, tried to break into a storage shed, then damaged playground toys. Sophie’s Place, which helps children who have been victims of physical, mental or sexual abuse, is located near 94 Avenue and 140 Street. Mounties say this investigation has been ongoing since the day after the incident, and hope the public will be able to help identify the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey RCMP
Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart is proposing a 30-million dollar plan to quickly help the city’s homeless residents. Stewart is making a recommendation to council asking for support to use the money to buy or lease old apartments, empty hotels or other buildings that could be renovated to provide housing. He says the plan builds on an extensive staff report that finds buying or leasing existing buildings is the fastest way to help those in need. The recommendation is expected to be considered at a special council meeting on Thursday.
This year’s Vancouver International Boat Show was one of the last major events held in the city in February before COVID-19 shut down large gatherings — but the 2021 boat show won’t sidestep the pandemic. Organizers say the show — which has been held for the last 58 years and traditionally marks the start of the boating season in B-C — won’t go ahead as planned this coming February. Cancellation of the five-day event affects more than 250 exhibitors and at least 30-thousand spectators. A spokeswoman says efforts are now being focused on returning in 2022.
Critics of U-S President Donald Trump say his maskless return to the halls of the White House sends the wrong message. Trump’s decision to return home from a military hospital despite his continued illness is putting a new focus on the people around him who could be further exposed if he doesn’t abide by strict isolation protocols. After arriving at the White House last night, Trump removed his face mask and stopped to pose on a balcony within feet of a White House photographer.