Vaccine appointments impacted by B.C. extreme weather
The cold weather is impacting the fight against COVID-19 as vaccine appointments in B.C.'s Fraser Health Authority were moved to new locations.
At the drive-through testing site in Surrey at 66th Avenue, those hoping to find out if they had the disease and with appointments were seen. Down the street -- a sign notes the vaccination site is closed due to the weather.
It turns out, some of those with appointments were re-directed to South Surrey or Langley. The change comes after confusion and scheduled clinic closures.
Dr. Brian Conway, the medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, told CTV News being up front about what was happening would have gone a long way.
"I think people are disappointed and they're looking for leadership here," explained Dr. Conway. "It was part of the policy to have the vaccine sites closed between the 24th and 28th - so just tell us you're doing that that everyone needs a break."
Instead, Fraser Health posted on social media when some testing and immunization clinics were temporarily suspended in the past few days due to extreme weather.
In a statement the health authority apologized. No one was available for an interview.
Fraser Health says it will temporarily suspend vaccinations at Langley, Coquitlam, Surrey 66 and Burnaby COVID-19 testing and immunization centres on Tuesday and Wednesday. Alternative dates are being offered to those impacted.
Testing continues at these sites but only until 4 p.m. If your appointment is after that, you can show up earlier in the day or rebook.
B.C.'s top health officials will hold a briefing Wednesday, and Dr. Conway says many important questions remain unanswered. He'd like to know the test positivity rate and how many tests were completed.
Dr. Conway said one of those questions is, "What's your educated guess about how many people are out there that you asked to stay home and not get tested?"
He says the uncertainty around the Omicron variant means having a conversation about what's at stake is more important than ever, and suggested even daily briefings could go a long way to build or maintain relationships with British Columbians.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Talks to resume in B.C. port dispute in bid to end multi-day lockout
Contract negotiations resume today in Vancouver in a labour dispute that has paralyzed container cargo shipping at British Columbia's ports since Monday.
Here are new guidelines for preventing stroke
The majority of strokes could be prevented, according to new guidelines aimed at helping people and their doctors do just that.
Quebec police find escaped inmate
Quebec provincial police (SQ) found a man who escaped lawful custody in the Laurentians.
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano unleashes towering columns of hot clouds
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano spewed towering columns of hot ash high into the air Saturday, days after a huge eruption killed nine people and injured dozens of others.
ANALYSIS Trump’s gains with Latinos could reshape American politics. Democrats are struggling to respond
Trump had a clear edge among Hispanic voters “very concerned” about the cost of food. Half said he would better handle the economy than Harris.
Iranian American human rights activists expresses defiance over Iranian plots to kill her and Trump
In the middle of a Berlin hotel cafe, Masih Alinejad raises her voice and starts singing at the top of her lungs in Farsi, as waiters turn to watch along with the three German government bodyguards assigned to protect her.
Olympian, veteran, first Canadian Indigenous police officer honoured in Belgium
Alex Decoteau didn’t live to see his 30th birthday, but what he accomplished in his 29 years of life was simply remarkable.
Should Toronto tear up its bike lanes to improve traffic flow? Critics say it's not so simple
A congestion crisis, a traffic nightmare, or unrelenting gridlock -- whatever you call it, most agree that Toronto has a congestion problem. To alleviate some of the gridlock, the Ontario government has announced it plans to remove bike lanes from three major roadways.
Decluttering your closet 'has to be easy,' here's how
Decluttering your closet can be an easy task when you follow the "one in, one out" rule according to an Ottawa specialist.