How Okanagan authorities are mitigating coronavirus threat

Since the outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan, China, Canadian authorities have been on high alert and preparing for the possibility the deadly virus could soon be found here.

China announced Friday more than 40 people have died from coronavirus, and over 1200 people have been infected. 

The virus has been found in a growing number of countries, including France, the United States and Australia.

It’s likely Canada will see a case of it here too - and questions have been raised about what local Okanagan hospitals will do in the event that it does.

Interior Health could not confirm the steps it is taking to mitigate against a potential case, referring instead to information provided by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, but did confirm so far there have been no investigated cases within Interior Health.

Symptoms of the virus can mirror those of the common cold and flu, including cough, fever, chest tightening and shortness of breath, but can quickly worsen causing pneumonia.

Screening measures have been stepped up at major airports in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal - but what about Kelowna International Airport? 

City of Kelowna media relations manager Tom Wilson confirmed YLW isn’t taking any extra precautions regarding the virus, since the screening is happening at Canadian airports with direct links to Asia - Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.

Wilson says the airport received information from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control "to make authorities aware and provide travellers with a few recommendations".

These include consulting the Public Health Agency of Canada health notice, following usual health precautions while abroad, staying away from animal markets and notifying their health care provider of their travel history if they become ill after returning to Canada.