After a long absence from posting, the Lady Minto Hospital medical staff feel it might be time to update the community on all things COVID. While all cases on Salt Spring have long since recovered, we are entering a new phase of risk as more and more visitors arrive and each of us starts to expand our “bubble.”
First, thank you so much to all the businesses and individuals who have clearly made a huge effort to put in place precautionary measures as recommended by our provincial leaders to keep all of us safe.
Second, please do not allow all the hard work and sacrifices go to waste. As all of us start to socialize more, please do NOT meet with friends or go to work if you feel ill. Remember to wash your hands, do not touch your face, and if you need to sneeze or cough, cover your face with your elbow. Masks should be worn in any situation where it is difficult to maintain the required six feet of separation from anyone not in your bubble.
Finally, thank you to the Capital Regional District and the coordinators of the Saturday market who have been working hard to sort out the safest way to re-open. We know that many people are desperate to see the Saturday market. If you are attending any of the markets in the park, please be aware that this is potentially a high-risk event, even though it is outdoors. Should there be a COVID-positive person in the crowd, contact tracing will be almost impossible in this scenario. Please wear a mask, carry hand sanitizer and continue to respect social distancing.
It’s wonderful to see smiles returning to Salt Springers, young and old, and to witness all the good that we experience on this island being shared. May it be a lovely Summer season as we enjoy the bounties of our lakes and hills, our public/farmers’ markets, beaches and more.
Recognizing that as BC restarts, there are still people suffering from understandably great stress, Salt Spring Community Health Society’s announced: “Everyone understands that the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on people’s mental health. Mental Health First Aid training is the most efficient way to help us all weather this crisis and become a more resilient community overall.” Free sessions will happen: August 24 – 25 and 27 – 28, 2020 – at the SSI Lion’s Hall. Details on how to sign-up etc. are available from the SSCHS.
That press release from Dr. Holly Slakov, with or without the urging of Gary Holman, CRD rep, is diplomatically described by a BC Ministry of Health official as “unfortunate”. It’s not in keeping with the message of our Chief Provincial Health Officer, Bonnie/Dr. Henry. The increase in new cases is attributable to young people partying and not practicing safety measures to previous levels. The concern is raised by BC health officials about “high risk settings” – nightclubs, bars, pubs and restaurants – primarily enclosed spaces where people gather closely for extended periods of contact. Not a single case of transmission has been reported in an outdoor public/farmers’ market in BC.
We can all listen to the actual words of Bonnie/Dr. Henry – rather than be told, and not accurately, by others, what she’s said on July 20, 2020 (and/or any other date as well). BC’s Chief Provincial Health Officer speaks for about half an hour, followed by Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, and then there’s Q&A. Calm, measured, and truly informative – let’s focus on the facts. There’s good reason our SSI Public Library’s slogan for its PPE-fundraising campaign is “Bend it Like Bonnie!”. She’s a champ. Let’s do our best to follow her lead https://www.facebook.com/CBCVancouverisland/videos/291053038981022/