23 confirmed COVID-19 cases confirmed in Cowichan Tribe outbreak

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Cowichan Tribes to shelter in place until January 22

A second first nation on Vancouver Island has issued a shelter in place order, as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak. The Cowichan Tribes has ordered its members to remain in their homes until January the 22nd, and to not travel, except for essential services like school, medical appointments and groceries, if they cannot be delivered to them. There have been 23 confirmed cases of the virus among the tribes since the outbreak began on New Year's Day and it expects more confirmed cases as test results come in. The Snuneymuxw First Nation issued its own shelter in place order and banned in-class learning for two weeks, starting on January the 1st. There are 19 confirmed cases among the Snuneymuxw. Both nations have restricted access to their reserves as well.

Long term care and assisted living facilities to remain locked down for time being

B.C.'s Minister of Health says expanding visits to long term care and assisted living facilities will not happen, even as vaccines are starting to roll out in those locations. Adrian Dix says even if everyone at an individual care home is vaccinated, that home will not be allowed open visits until all facilities in B.C. are in the same position.

"I think it's going to be awhile yet, but there are also some changes to essential visitor policy in the province that we're looking at right now which I would expect to speak to shortly. That's on essential visitor policy. I think in general, it's going to take some weeks before the impact of the immunization is fully felt."
—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.

In fact, the province has said it will likely take until the end of March before all long term care and assisted living workers and residents will have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Councillors in hot water for international travel during pandemic over holiday break

Two greater Victoria politicians have come under fire after traveling during the winter break. Victoria city councillor Sharmarke Dubow used his Facebook account to apologize for traveling to east Africa to visit family and friends. Mayor Lisa Helps says she is disappointed by his judgement.

"Councillor Dubow's decision to travel internationally was both disappointing and irresponsible. As community leaders we should be held to a higher standard. We should be exemplary role models. Councillor Dubow's is responsible to the public and the next steps are in his hands."
—City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.

In Metchosin, councillor Kyara Kahakauwila travelled to Mexico in December to attend a business associate's wedding. She is less apologetic, saying she considers it a business decision. Meanwhile, in Nanaimo it appears council members stayed put. Mayor Leonard Krog and six councillors who responded to CHLY's inquiry said they have not travelled, although councillor Tyler Brown joked that he did look at some past vacation photos. Two councillors, Jim Turley and Ben Geselbracht have not yet responded to the question.