Sunday, July 5, 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

Vancouver aquarium looks for answers amid pandemic

Vancouver aquarium looks for answers amid pandemic
The aquarium closed its doors on Sept. 7 as it sorts through the financial devastation of COVID-19 on one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.

Vancouver aquarium looks for answers amid pandemic

Teck signs renewable power deal for Chilean mine

Teck signs renewable power deal for Chilean mine
The Vancouver mining company says the transition from fossil fuel power sources will eliminate about 200,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, equal to removing over 40,000 passenger vehicles from the road.

Teck signs renewable power deal for Chilean mine

WATCH: KIDS SWARM RCMP OFFICERS IN SURREY - 3 ARRESTED

WATCH: KIDS SWARM RCMP OFFICERS IN SURREY - 3 ARRESTED
In a shocking footage circulating on social media, Surrey RCMP officers were physically attacked by a group of youth and young adults in Newton Area of Surrey. The officers suffered minor injuries and is recovering. RCMP tweeted, "We’re thankful for the support expressed by the community, and the assistance from neighbours and witnesses. Our officers are recovering from minor injuries."

WATCH: KIDS SWARM RCMP OFFICERS IN SURREY - 3 ARRESTED

Fourth B.C. cabinet minister won't seek re-election

Fourth B.C. cabinet minister won't seek re-election
Mungall was first elected as the member for Nelson-Creston in 2009.

Fourth B.C. cabinet minister won't seek re-election

PM: democracy needs to function in pandemic

PM: democracy needs to function in pandemic
For his part, Trudeau said Canadians "deserve an ambitious plan for a healthier and safer Canada, a Canada that's fair and inclusive, a Canada that's clean and competitive and, with the speech from the throne on Sept. 23, that's exactly what our government is ready to do."

PM: democracy needs to function in pandemic

Nine pedestrians hit, Montreal driver arrested

Nine pedestrians hit, Montreal driver arrested
The driver, a 38-year-old man, was arrested at the scene and will be questioned by investigators.

Nine pedestrians hit, Montreal driver arrested