Dr. Kleinhans has asked me to take over the daily updates for the next while. First off I would like to applaud her for her cool head and steadfast leadership of our medical community during this stressful time. It is at times like these leaders distinguish themselves and Dr. Kleinhans has truly come through for our community.

As of April 2, 2020 we have 11,268 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Canada and 138 deaths.

As of 3 p.m. on April 2, there were 1,121 identified cases in B.C. This includes:

• 641 people declared recovered and released from isolation

• 525 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health

• 386 cases in Fraser Health

• 121 cases in Interior Health

• 72 cases in Island Health

• 17 cases in Northern Health

• 31 deaths

• 45,966 tests complete

It is very tempting to see this as an issue only for our vulnerable population but this is not being born out in the data we are seeing from our country and others. In fact only 1/3 of the cases we are seeing are in the over 60 age group

So please be aware that this can affect you no matter how healthy and fit you are. Please adhere to Dr. Henry’s advice about staying at home and limiting contact with others.

As the days drag on I know it is tempting to make exceptions to the rule and allow for social contact. But please stay the course so that we, as your health care team, can continue to meet the needs of our community.

As your health care team, we truly appreciate all the community support we have received and I would encourage you to pass this along to all the essential service workers who are putting themselves at risk to keep us going.

Stay safe, wash your hands and stay home.

Thank you

Dr. Tara Guthrie

On behalf of Creston Valley physicians and medical staff