Provincial health officer Bonnie Henry, who led British Columbia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, marked the fifth anniversary of the pandemic’s start by reminding British Columbians of the importance of washing their hands and staying home when sick.
“We can’t lose those things because those things are important,” Henry told CTV Morning Live on Tuesday, the National Day of Observance for COVID-19. “They are basic things that help protect us.”
More than 6,600 people died from the virus in B.C., according to provincial figures. Others continue to suffer the lasting effects of long COVID.
“I probably didn’t think it was going to last as long as it did,” Henry said of the three-year pandemic.
“We’re still dealing with some parts of it, and certainly dealing with the aftermath of everything that happened and how we as a society – a community – got through it.”
Premier David Eby issued a statement on the anniversary acknowledging “the devastating health, social and economic impact” of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We honour and are especially grateful for the health-care professionals who worked tirelessly to keep people safe,” Eby said. “We are continuing to strengthen our health-care system by hiring more doctors and nurses, by building and expanding more hospitals and clinics, and by continuing to grow the health-care workforce.”
Health Canada says more than 4.5 million cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Canada during the pandemic, resulting in more than 60,00 deaths.
