Hundreds of volunteers offer support to self quarantined people in Lower Mainland amid virus concerns
Posted March 5, 2020 10:41 am.
Last Updated March 5, 2020 10:08 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) — B.C. residents are coming together to support people in self-quarantine amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
With more cases of the virus being reported in Canada, those who have come back from Iran have chosen to isolate themselves, and a grassroots effort is there to help with everyday needs.
Behzad Abdi from the Tri-Cities Iranian Cultural Society says he put together a team a few days ago to run errands for people who need groceries or other household items.
“This group will help people. We are in contact with [Health Canada] and we will provide everything they need at home,” he says.
Abdi says the group was put in touch with a family doctor in Coquitlam who helped train them.
After putting out the call for volunteers, Abdi says about 200 people from around the Lower Mainland came forward to help.
Concerns over the spread of COVID-19 are high in the Persian community and have prompted the cancellation of New Year’s events as a precaution.
There are dozens of cases reported in Canada with 13 of the virus cases in B.C.
Meanwhile, the federal government has put out a warning against all travel to Iran over concerns of the virus. Global Affairs Canada posted a news alert Thursday morning upgrading the advisory against non-essential travel.
With from files Martin MacMahon and the Canadian Press
