BC’s Health Minister says it is taking significant steps to ensure that health care workers have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Adrian Dix says the approach to PPE is around preparation and not desperation.
“Despite the challenges, BC does continue to receive a supply of PPE,” he said. “In the last few weeks we have received several orders from various suppliers including N-95 masks, surgical masks, gowns, eye protection and other PPE that are critical in keeping our healthcare workers safe.”
Dix says the challenge remains that global demand is resulting in a situation where previous suppliers are unable to offer those bulk shipments, therefore the province will continue to pursue alternative options for acquiring this equipment.
“So we’re working hard on all of those. That’s not to say there hasn’t been a success in large bulk orders. Just today, we received a shipment of one million surgical masks.”
The Minister also touts the work of those working at the provincial health information 811 phone line. He says on Sunday, it saw the lowest number of dropped calls that its had since the beginning of issues around COVID-19 in March.
“And the average wait time at 811 calls yesterday was 1.3 minutes, which is a reflection of the extraordinary work they’re doing,” noted Dix.
He says calls to paramedics are down slightly across the province, but adds that is getting more calls for influenza like issues.