HEALTH Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer, on Monday asked all travellers returning from Iran and China to self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival in Canada, given the intensity of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak globally.

They added: “We ask all other travellers who are returning to, or visiting, B.C. from outside Canada to monitor themselves and their children closely for symptoms, and if any arise, to limit their contact with others and call 811.”

Dix and Henry said: “The most important measure anyone can take is preventing the transmission of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. This includes cleaning your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve, and disposing of tissues appropriately.

“It is also very important to stay home and away from others if you or members of your family are sick. This includes staying home from work or school, and postponing visits to long-term care facilities.

“Similar to how you may need to care for someone with influenza, you will want to ensure you have sufficient food, medications and support in place for you and your family to stay home for a number for days. These are the normal preparations when someone in your family is ill. There is no requirement for British Columbians to stockpile supplies.”