A newly formed task force of Sunshine Coast physicians said on the weekend that there has been no community spread of COVID-19 on the Lower Sunshine Coast – that is, no transmission of the virus from an unknown source.
“We are aware of various rumours regarding COVID-19 infections on the Coast, but we are unable to comment on specific test results at this time, according to BC Public Health policy,” the Sunshine Coast COVID Physician Task Force said in a Community Update released to Coast Reporter late Saturday.
However, the task force added, “we can reassure you that there are NO community acquired cases of COVID-19 on the Lower Sunshine Coast, meaning that at this time there is no community spread of the virus and no illness unrelated to travel. Furthermore, there currently are no patients admitted at Sechelt Hospital with COVID-19 related illness, and there have been NO deaths on the Coast as a result of COVID-19 infection.”
The task force, made up of six local doctors acting on behalf of the Sunshine Coast physician group, said its purpose is “to share the most current information regarding COVID-19 on the Coast and to promote community-based measures to prevent infection and limit spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
Gibsons-based Dr. Daren Spithoff, one of the group’s members, told Coast Reporter that the task force will provide regular updates to the community through the Coast Reporter website in the weeks ahead.
“We will also be coordinating with our physician colleagues to help our medical community prepare for the next stages of the pandemic, should the situation escalate,” Dr. Spithoff said.
Another function of the task force, according to its Community Update, will be “to advocate for resources and support for our community.”
One of the group’s current priorities is to streamline the local assessment and screening process for the virus.
The doctors remind people who have recently returned from international travel to self-isolate for 14 days. If they have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should also call their health care provider for directions on next steps. Those who have not travelled but develop symptoms should call 8-1-1 or their health care provider.
“At this time, we encourage everyone to act as though there could be cases of COVID-19 in our community,” the task force said. “This is the mainstay of preventing transmission and containing the virus. We encourage everyone to practice diligent hand washing and maintain social distancing, as well as to stay home if you feel unwell.”
Along with Dr. Spithoff, the Sunshine Coast COVID Physician Task Force consists of doctors Jennifer Baxter, Ted Krickan, Herman Mentz, Brian Nelson, and Marius Welgemoed.
Read the full text of the task force’s Community Update here.
