People avoiding COVID-19 tests over holidays partly behind B.C.’s recent drop in positive cases

The number of new COVID-19 cases recorded in B.C. yesterday was the lowest in more than a month at 382.

That follows a steady drop over the Christmas vacation period but may not be reflective of what is actually happening in the province.

“Partly, it’s people don’t want to be tested and have to isolate before this holiday, which is worrisome, because we know that people are getting together, some people, and, even if it’s just your household you may bring it to your household and spread it to them,” provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said during her news briefing yesterday, Dec. 29.

Only 4,675 people were tested for COVID-19 between Monday and Tuesday of this week where normally 10,000 or more people can be tested in a day.

“Yes, we expect testing to go up this week and it’s likely that we’ll see more cases,” Dr. Henry said.

The average incubation period for COVID-19 is five to seven days before people start to show symptoms.

That means, if people broke Dr. Henry’s orders and visited family or friends outside their own households on Christmas Day, symptoms could start showing up today.

“This is why we all need to take a step back,” Dr. Henry said. “We know that people are compelled to be with each other during celebrations and we need to support each other, to stay apart, and connect with each other safely, this weekend in particular.”

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