B.C. has first case of coronavirus

B.C. has its first case of coronavirus.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry told a news conference the person is a man in his forties and a resident in the Vancouver Coastal Health region.

The man travels regularly to China for work and was in Wuhan city on his most recent trip.

He returned to Vancouver last week and had an onset of symptoms after his return.

“Following established protocols, the primary-care provider notified the Vancouver Coastal Health medical health officer and administered the diagnostic test,” Henry said.

Henry said the test came back positive Monday night.

“Public health officials are in regular contact with the individual and a small number of close contacts. He is in isolation at home.”

Henry said the risk of spread of the virus within B.C. remains low at this time.

“All necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of infection. We have multiple systems in place to prepare for, detect and respond, in order to prevent the spread of serious infectious diseases in the province.”

Henry said it’s not necessary for the general public to take special precautions beyond the usual measures recommended to prevent other common respiratory viruses during the winter period.

“Regular hand washing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately and avoiding contact with sick people are important ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illness generally,” Henry said.

Anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus should contact their primary-care provider, local public health office or call 811.