Wednesday, February 11, 2026
ADVT 
National

Fraser Health opening new COVID-19 testing centre

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 03 Nov, 2020 10:37 PM
  • Fraser Health opening new COVID-19 testing centre

Another COVID-19 testing centre is being opened in the Fraser Health region, the epicentre for British Columbia's rising case counts.

Fraser Health president Dr. Victoria Lee says most of their latest infections are linked to other known cases and clusters, indicating public health officials are identifying and following up with people to curb the spread of the illness.

The newest centre will be open by Nov. 12 in North Surrey and will process between 500 and 800 tests each day with people dropping in or booking an appointment.

Of the 1,120 people who tested positive over three days ending Monday in B.C., 830 of them were in the Fraser Health region.

There are 2,315 active infections in Fraser Health and Lee says public health workers have followed up with more than 29,000 of their contacts.

Lee reiterated public health messaging that even small gatherings are risky and the so-called "safe six" contacts should also be the same six people.

Dr. Elizabeth Brodkin, chief medical health officer for Fraser Health, added the health authority has ordered and distributed 30 per cent more influenza vaccine this year than it did last year.

"We are actively working with the province to secure more vaccine and that is on its way," she said.

There are now 30 known cases of COVID-19 associated with a dance studio in Chilliwack, said Brodkin, noting there have been some exposures but no transmission within schools in the area as a result of that outbreak.

"One of the things that we have observed (is) that large groups of people exercising together, whether that's in a gym or another setting, does appear to be a higher-risk setting for COVID-19 spread and therefore we will be looking closely at these settings over the coming days and weeks," she said.

The dance studio had a COVID-19 safety plan in place, Brodkin said.

MORE National ARTICLES

PBO: 'Superclusters' falling short of expectations

PBO: 'Superclusters' falling short of expectations
The private and academic partners in the endeavour were expected to spend over $1 billion over the same time.

PBO: 'Superclusters' falling short of expectations

Quebec reports 1,364 new COVID-19 cases

Quebec reports 1,364 new COVID-19 cases
There were 1,364 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in Quebec to 81,014.

Quebec reports 1,364 new COVID-19 cases

Ex-MP Grewal's case moved to early 2021

Ex-MP Grewal's case moved to early 2021
Lawyers for Raj Grewal and the Crown agreed to have the case return to court Jan. 6 during a brief virtual hearing on Tuesday.

Ex-MP Grewal's case moved to early 2021

Man charged in N.B. murders sought to 'out' demons

Man charged in N.B. murders sought to 'out' demons
The defence has acknowledged Raymond killed the victims but says he should be found not criminally responsible because of a mental disorder.

Man charged in N.B. murders sought to 'out' demons

Virtual Thanksgiving urged to control COVID-19

Virtual Thanksgiving urged to control COVID-19
Federal officials said earlier Tuesday that 3.4 million Canadians have uploaded the COVID Alert App.

Virtual Thanksgiving urged to control COVID-19

WATCH: BC Liberals vow to scrap ICBC if elected this month

WATCH: BC Liberals vow to scrap ICBC if elected this month
WATCH: BC Liberal Party to Get rid of ICBC if they WIN Fall Elections said Leader Andrew Wilkinson. “When I hear stories of young people with clean driving records stuck with bills of over $5,000 it’s clear the system is failing and needs to be fixed,” added Wilkinson. “Young people face enough pressure these days, so the BC Liberals will make sure they have affordable auto insurance.”

WATCH: BC Liberals vow to scrap ICBC if elected this month