As of 3 p.m. on April 8, there were 1,336 identified cases in B.C. This includes: (Increase of 45 cases in BC)

• 615 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health

• 487 cases in Fraser Health

• 130 cases in Interior Health (two new cases today in IHA)

• 81 cases in Island Health

• 23 cases in Northern Health

• 48 deaths

Our numbers in B.C. (and especially in the Interior), are looking promising. This is what flattening the line refers to. But we cannot relax just yet. We might be halfway through the marathon, but still have a ways to go.Although some of us have quickly adjusted to new normals, such as physical spacing at grocery stores and working from home, social distancing is unbearable for people without a home in which to shelter, those who may be exposed to harm at home and those who have lost their employment. Creston has an excellent support group that will help vulnerable people. Please know that it’s not a weakness to be struggling in a time like this. Reach out by phoning 250 428 9167.We’re washing our hands, staying at home and standing 6 feet apart when we do need to go out. 

What else can we do to limit the spread of COVID-19? We can stop touching our faces! We all know by now that we touch our face up to 23 times an hour. (on your next Zoom meeting, do a social experiment and count how many times people touch their faces. It’s astonishing - and I’m guilty as well). Coronavirus is spread via droplets, and if it’s on your hands, touching your eyes, nose and mouth, touching will guarantee you a COVID positive result. (it’s can also contaminate surfaces like cellphones, car keys, door handles and elevators. Wash your hands!) Some suggestions to help with this bad habit:

1. Make a conscious effort to keep your hands below the shoulder level at all times and train yourself to resist the urge to touch your face. It’s especially important not to touch your face when you’re out and about, but break the habit even when you’re at home and have washed your hands.
2. "Counter-habit": The trigger is noticing your hand is moving to your face. One obvious thing is to divert it and scratch the back of your head -- redirect it.
3. Be mindful: Put something on your hands with a strong scent - when you smell the "lavender," recognize what you’re doing, and change direction.
4. And then there’s the "facial itch." The toughest nut to crack… Notice it, don’t fight it, but don’t act on it. Ignore it and think of something else. This works!  Strange as it may sound, we need to get to the point where if someone touched their face in public, it elicited an "Ewww" response.

For example, I’ve lost $15 to my children over the last three days having to pay them 25 cents every time they catch me touching my face. It’s a work in progress for all of us! 

The Province is introducing new measures to make sure British Columbians returning home from international destinations have the support they need to self-isolate and keep their communities safe from COVID-19. The measures, which include a new legal requirement to provide a self-isolation plan, support the provincial health officer’s travel orders and reinforce the federal emergency order under the Quarantine Act requiring people entering Canada to self-isolate for 14 days."As we welcome British Columbians back home, we must stay vigilant and do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19," said Premier John Horgan. Effective immediately, international travellers (including from the USA) coming to the Province are required to provide a self-isolation plan before or upon arrival to B.C., regardless of their point of entry to Canada. Beginning Friday, April 10, 2020, provincial officials will be on hand at the Vancouver International Airport and major land border crossings to make sure self-isolation plans are complete and to assist those who need it.Upon border arrival, self-isolation plans will be reviewed by officials, and travellers will be supported as follows:

• If a self-isolation plan is submitted and approved, travellers will receive a confirmation. This confirmation can be shown on arrival. Travellers with approved plans will proceed to their home residence (or another identified accommodation) to self-isolate.
• If an airline traveller arrives and an adequate self-isolation plan is proposed but needs additional support to execute safely (e.g., enlist volunteers to deliver groceries or fill prescriptions once at home), travellers may be taken or directed to an accommodation site provided in collaboration with the provincial and federal governments to begin self-isolation, while outstanding details of their plan are put in place. With an approved self-isolation plan, they may return home. Without an approved plan, they will remain at an accommodation site for 14 days.
• If a traveller arrives at a major land border crossing and needs additional supports to execute a self-isolation plan, they will be sent directly home to start self-isolating. They will be followed up with by officials for extra support.
• If a traveller does not have a self-isolation plan or is unable to carry one out as determined by officials safely, they may be transported or sent to an accommodation provided by the government where they can safely complete their 14-day self-isolation.

Can Grandparents look after kids? It depends. What’s important is limiting the number of connections that you are having. So if your kids are only with their parents and grandparents, the risk is lower. The key is to NOT having multiple connections.Have a blessed long weekend.

Dr Nerine Kleinhans, on behalf of the Creston Valley Physicians and Medical Staff