Evening News Update for May 19 2020

Once again, seniors in lower mainland long term care homes continue to be the victims of COVID-19. Three such deaths were reported over the past 24 hours. However, the number of new cases in BC continues to drop, with just 2 reported since Monday. One from a long term care facility and none in the Island Health Region. There are no new outbreaks. Province-wide, 280 people continue to recover at home, while 45 people remain in hospital, including one in Island Health.Tonight, Island Health is hosting its second virtual town hall meeting. The region's medical health officer, its CEO and the MLA for Courtenay-Comox will take your questions. The meeting begins at 7:15 on the provincial government's Facebook page.The rules around who can visit and assist people in hospital are changing because of the death of a disabled woman at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock last month. The Minister of Health says the revision to the order limiting visits is intended to give clearer guidance to hospital administrators and medical teams. Adrian Dix says now caregivers and family members who normally assist the patient with decision-making, communications, feeding or mobility will be allowed to be with them in hospital. 40-year-old Ariis Knight who had cerebral palsy and could not communicate died alone in hospital last month, after her family and caregivers were denied access.BC's Provincial Health Officer is recommending that people wear non-surgical face masks in certain situations. Dr. Bonnie Henry is not willing to order that masks be worn because she says there is no scientific evidence that masks, in and of themselves, protect people from catching COVID-19. They are helpful in preventing the mask wearer from infecting others, but mask wearers can still catch the virus by touching something and wiping their eyes or readjusting their mask. Nevertheless, Henry says people should be prepared to wear masks when they cannot maintain physical distancing. For example, when riding transit, getting a hair cut or shopping in a small store. Henry advises keeping those encounters as short as possible. She notes it's very difficult to force a young child to wear a mask, and some people with lung disease may not be able to breathe with one on. She says that's why those with underlying health conditions need to be especially vigilant in taking other precautions, like remaining self-isolated, ensuring physical distancing and maintaining a small bubble of contacts. Henry adds there is little risk of catching COVID-19 from a passing jogger or cyclist, even without a mask.Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.Have a tip? Email: [email protected]: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FMFunded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.