Saturday, July 4, 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

BQ's Blanchet tests positive for COVID-19

BQ's Blanchet tests positive for COVID-19
Quebec's public health rules say a person who tests positive but doesn't have serious symptoms must stay isolated for 10 days.

BQ's Blanchet tests positive for COVID-19

Post-CERB benefits may yet change: Qualtrough

Post-CERB benefits may yet change: Qualtrough
To get the help after the fact, workers would have to show they could not work at least 60 per cent of their usual hours, or about three days out of a five-day workweek.

Post-CERB benefits may yet change: Qualtrough

Man injured in targeted shooting in Surrey, B.C.

Man injured in targeted shooting in Surrey, B.C.
A man was found suffering from gunshot wounds and remains in hospital. It's the third targeted attack this week in Metro Vancouver.

Man injured in targeted shooting in Surrey, B.C.

B.C. teachers go to labour board over COVID-19

B.C. teachers go to labour board over COVID-19
The complaint says the protections do not meet what was promised by the provincial government over the summer about reopening schools.

B.C. teachers go to labour board over COVID-19

Ivanhoe confirms third death at South African mine

Ivanhoe confirms third death at South African mine
Ivanhoe initially reported two workers were killed in the accident while another was injured and a fourth was missing.

Ivanhoe confirms third death at South African mine

Long term care home with 125 beds catering to the South Asian community to open in Surrey in 2024

Long term care home with 125 beds catering to the South Asian community to open in Surrey in 2024
PICS Diversity Village, operated by Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS), will be open to all seniors in need of long-term care and will provide culturally sensitive services to those of South Asian descent. 

Long term care home with 125 beds catering to the South Asian community to open in Surrey in 2024