The most encouraging news item for the March 23 COVID-19 update comes from Vancouver, where local residents have embraced a new tradition. At 7 PM every night, they step outside, on their balconies, patios, rooftops, or sidewalks to applaud the city health care workers who are fighting the COVID 19 virus. This idea is believed to have originated in Europe, where the inhabitants of cities like Rome, Madrid, Paris, Athens and Amsterdam devote at least a minute every night to such pubic expressions of gratitude.
Today’s Provincial Press Conference
According to today’s press from Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, “Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19 … Additionally, of the total COVID-19 cases, 33 individuals are currently hospitalized and 14 of them are in intensive care. We are pleased to report that 100 patients have recovered, and the remaining people who have tested positive for COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.”
Thirteen British Columbians have died.
Playgrounds Closed
All playgrounds within School District 72, which stretches from Campbell River to Quadra and Cortes Islands, are closed.
” The reason why they have been closed is because they are touch surfaces that would be impossible to clean regularly and difficult for children to follow the social distancing requirement of 2 metres,” wrote Jennifer Patrick, Communications & Community Engagement Officer for School District 72.
SRD Parks & Trails Remain Open
“Friends of Cortes are continuing to maintain the SRD parks and trails at this time. Please also refrain from dropping garbage, so we don’t have to handle it,” writes Helen Hall, Executive Director, Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI).
Tree Planting On West Redonda Island
There have been a number of helicopter landings in Squirrel Cove recently. This is totally unrelated to COVID – 19 matters. A tree planting crew is working on West Redonda Island.
Local Tourists Returning Home
Several local residents are now returning home from trips abroad. Susana Vijaya describes her return to Quadra, after a visit to Mexico, in tomorrow’s Vinho do Porto on CKTZ, 89.5 FM (11:30 AM – 1 PM). Rochelle Baker writes about a couple currently stranded in Ecuador in another post on this website.