Sixth Case of COVID-19 Coronavirus in Vancouver called a Sentinel Event

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Introduction

Note: This article is a follow-up to previous reports regarding COVID-19 in the Vancouver area. This article includes updates posted on February 23rd, 2020.

Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry announced on February 20th that a woman in her 30s returning from Iran is British Columbia’s sixth case of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus. This case is particularly unusual as the travel was not to China or Singapore. Dr. Henry described this as a “sentinel event,” a marker that viral activity may be broader than initially expected [1].

Tracking Exposure in the Fraser Health Region

The woman is currently in self-isolation within the Fraser Health region. Health officials are investigating her travel history to determine if other passengers on her flight home require testing. This follows the identification of a fifth case—a woman returning from Shanghai through YVR—where officials worked to contact everyone seated within three rows of the infected passenger [4].

The incubation period for the illness is believed to be up to 14 days. Because individuals can remain asymptomatic while contagious, it is unknown how many people in the Greater Vancouver area may have been exposed through close contact with travelers arriving before quarantines were implemented [5,6].

Relative Risk and Public Concern

While medical officials describe the risk to the public as “low,” concern remains high in local communities. Proximity of less than 2 meters (6.5 feet) in crowded places like food courts, airports, or checkout lines may pose a risk if an individual is contagious. Growing outbreaks in Iran and South Korea are of particular concern due to strong local community ties and unrestricted travel.

The Role of Distance Consultations

For over a decade, I have provided nutrition services via Distance Consultation. As the COVID-19 situation unfolds, many local clients are opting for remote appointments to avoid public waiting rooms and unnecessary travel. This allows for the continuation of clinical care with no risk of exposure.

Update: February 23, 2020

Media reports confirm that the sixth case flew from Montreal to Vancouver on Valentine’s Day (February 14th). The BC Provincial Health Authority is contacting passengers seated within three rows of the individual [8,9]. Additionally, Fraser Health has notified school districts in Burnaby, New Westminster, and the Tri-Cities that contacts of the individual may have attended schools but were asymptomatic and remain well [10].

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References

  1. The Globe and Mail. B.C. hit with sixth case of coronavirus. Feb 20, 2020.
  2. Global News. B.C. identifies 5th presumptive case of COVID-19. Feb 14, 2020.
  3. Montreal Gazette. Passenger from Iran on flight from Montreal to Vancouver tests positive. Feb 23, 2020.
  4. CBC News. B.C.’s 6th presumptive COVID-19 case flew from Montreal to Vancouver on Feb. 14. Feb 23, 2020.
  5. Global News. Passenger on Air Canada flight to Vancouver is not a new case. Feb 23, 2020.
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