After delivering her daily update on the number of COVID-19 cases in British Columbia, the provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry took some time to dispel rumours about the virus that have been spread by one business in particular.
In an email to patrons, Bikram Yoga studio located in Delta, B.C. claimed that the novel coronavirus that has caused a global pandemic “cannot survive in the heat”, and that taking hot yoga classes would be the best way to combat the virus.
The email goes on to announce a temporary reduction in classes, citing “the obvious drastic slowdown in attendance by everyone being paralyzed into a fear state of mind” as the cause.
When asked about the validity of this business’ claims at Thursday’s press conference, Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed that there is none.
Instead, she stated that a hot yoga class is actually one of the worst places to be in during a COVID-19 pandemic due to the amount of moisture generated, as the virus spreads through droplet transmission.
On the subject of people spreading misinformation on COVID-19, Dr. Henry also confirmed that there is no evidence, according to the WHO, that anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen and Advil have any detrimental on people who have contracted coronavirus.
While Canada is looking to be a part of clinical tests to find a treatment for novel coronavirus, there is no cure or vaccination for COVID-19 at this time.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
The federal government recently announced an $82 billion assistance package for Canadians and businesses struggling financially during the global pandemic.
Earlier this week, B.C. joined Alberta and Ontario in declaring a public health emergency in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.
On Wednesday, B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth declared a provincial state of emergency to support the health ministry’s public health emergency.
The provincial government also announced the indefinite suspension of all in-person classes at K-12 schools in B.C.
Canada has tightened its borders and is denying entry to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada.
U.S. citizens are no longer an exception to this rule, and non-essential travel between U.S. and Canada will be temporarily banned by March 21st. Moreover international flights have now been restricted to international airports in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 244,852.
Over 10,000 people have died from the illness and 87,407 have made a full recovery.
