B.C. Covid update: barbers and hairstylists not on list to reopen first

B.C.’s provincial health officer says barbers and hairstylists will not be among the first businesses allowed to reopen under BC’s “Go Forward” plan.

Dr. Bonnie Henry was responding to a question about a petition on Change.org, by barbers and hairstylists, urging the government not to mandate them back to work first.

Henry confirmed those shops will not be part of the first phase of businesses allowed to reopen.

“We will not move forward with opening different sectors until we are ready, and they have a plan that is workable, and we have the right safety measures in place,” said Henry. “We won’t be opening barbers and stylists and those sorts of businesses where there is close contact until we have appropriate plan.

Premier John Horgan will be announcing details of the reopening plan next week.

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B.C. has 26 new Covid-19 cases since Friday for a total of 2,171.

There is one new case in the Interior Health region (175 total).

There is two more deaths, in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser health regions, for a total of 114.

A total of 1,376 people have recovered from the virus.

Dr. Henry talked about the need for anyone in B.C. who worked at the Kearl Lake project in Alberta that have come back since March 24, that they and their family members have to self isolate for 14 days.

Henry also said there is support for young people if they feel anxious about not being able to see friends and spending more time than normal with family members.

“If you need help, there is people who are here to help, The kids help line for kids or parents is 1 800 680 4264 “Don’t be afraid to use that. It’s an important place where you can get support.”

She also urged people to stay healthy; to find time to get outside and let off some steam by staying active.

To the grads of 2020, Henry noted traditional ceremonies and events are on hold right now and they won’t be done the same way this year.

“But take heart: we are thinking about that, and teachers, administrators and parents are still working to make it an incredibly memorable experience for you,” said Henry, who some people watching on social media commented she looked like she was wearing her PJ’s at Saturday’s information update.

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B.C. Covid update Saturday May 2:

New cases: 26

Total cases: 2,171

Cases by health region:

Vancouver: 832

Fraser: 992

Vancouver Island: 123

Interior: 175

Northern: 49

There are still 24 active outbreaks in long term care homes (416 cases)

There is a new community outbreak: at Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry with 3 cases

There is still 50 cases with Superior Poultry and 42 with United Poultry

There is 120 cases at the Mission prison

72 people are in hospital

There are two more deaths, total to 114, one in Fraser and one in Vancouver Coastal.

1,376 people have recovered