Dr. Bonnie Henry undeterred Pfizer vaccine setback

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Monday COVID-19 update

31 more people died from COVID-19 in BC over the weekend, including two seniors in the Island Health region. Since Friday there have been 1330 new cases of the virus confirmed, with 65 of those cases in Island Health.

Christian School temporarily closes due to COVID-19 cases and exposures

The Duncan Christian School is closed for the next two weeks, due to a cluster of COVID-19 cases. School officials say "a high number of staff members are affected, which makes it difficult to function, operationally." The Christian School is one of seven in the Island Health region to report COVID-19 exposures, and it is the second school to close due to the virus. The other is the Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh elementary school on Snuneymuxw territory. It was closed, not because of an exposure at the school but as part of a community-wide shelter-in-place order that is set to expire on January the 19th.

Dr. Bonnie Henry comments on pause in Pfizer vaccine production

Meanwhile, the provincial health officer says a delay in the supply of the Pfizer vaccine means BC will receive only half the doses it expected over the next three weeks. Dr. Bonnie Henry says that's why the immunization program will focus on those who need a second dose.

“We have, however, been able to rearrange and look at the process we have to make sure that we are continuing with providing the first of two doses to those at highest risk and that we are able to start second doses at day 35. So it is a bit of a setback but it is only a delay.”—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Despite the setback, Henry says residents and staff at every care home in BC will have received their first COVID-19 vaccine by the end of next week.

The saddest day of the year?

Today is Blue Monday, so named by a group of British promoters in 2005 who called it "the most depressing day of the year." Psychologists worldwide have used the day as an opportunity to talk about mental health. Vancouver Island University's Mental Health Strategist Sara Lamarr, says VIU's Talk to Me program helps students beat the blues.

"The world itself is going through a lot this past year, obviously with COVID and then when we add in things like the stress of not being able to see the people we love over the holidays and bills and all of those kinds of things, it wouldn't surprise me if students and the general public are feeling it more at this time of year."—Sara Lamarr, Vancouver Island University’s Mental Health Strategist.

Ashley Sandhu is one of six student wellness promoters, who facilitate events like virtual games night. They help students maintain good mental health, and connect those who need more support, with programs or counselling. Sandhu says being a wellness promoter has also helped her personally.

"I was a new student to VIU when I moved from Vancouver so I had no social connections on campus so for me, the talk to me team is pretty much like my family. They've made VIU very much like my home and I've been able to create so many connections through the talk to me program and I'm so grateful for that."—Ahsley Sandhu, VIU Student Wellness Promoter.

Learn more at viu.ca/talk-to-me.