According to BC's top health official, Dr. Bonnie Henry there is an increase in COVID19 cases in the South Asian community due to large gatherings such as weddings and celebration of life events.
Dr Henry says the Indo-Canadian community is seeing a much greater impact at increased rates compared to other communites.
Dr. Henry said at a media briefing “But now we need to take measures to protect the community because it is transmitted in the South Asian community more so than we are seeing in other people right now.”
She noted that social events aren't the only contributing factors “Many people in the South Asian community live in Surrey and areas around there, and also own and work in many of the essential businesses that have kept our province going, whether it’s food-production or trucking or working in health care.”
Dr Henry emphasized the virus doesn’t care about the community, but rather how the people's interactions lead to the spread. “[COVID-19] recognizes the situations and gatherings that are happening that have allowed it to spread,” she added.
The majority of the cases for a surge in daily numbers in the Fraser Health region are much higher than Vancouver Coastal Health.
Her message with it being Diwali on Saturday Nov 14th is to celebrate safely at home to curb further spread of the virus. Keep to your immediate household and take part in virtual Diwali festivities. Don't host a big religious program and no dropping of off gifts or sweets.
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