There are 10 lab-confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Richmond, but half of them are not travel-related, explained Richmond’s medical health officer Meena Dawar, so it seems the virus is being transmitted in the community.

Dawar was giving an update to Richmond council on Monday evening, and pointed out the situation in Richmond is reflective of the rest of Vancouver Coastal Health.

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When she spoke to council two weeks ago, there were no cases in Richmond and only 40 to 50 cases in the province – that number is about 10-fold now.

She pointed out “heavy measures” have been taken to reduce the spread – closing schools and public facilities as well as businesses where people gather, like bars.

Dawar told council, when pressed whether enough was being done, she felt these measures were adequate for now.

Dawar pointed out the importance of hand-washing and not touching one’s face – the virus can be transmitted through the eyes, mouth and nose - as measures to combat the virus.

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