BC’s top doctor awarded Order of BC amid rising Delta variant caseloads

Dr. Bonnie Henry first entered the spotlight in March 2020 to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and said Monday she is "very touched and humbled" to receive the honour.

While the number of people who nominated her remains unknown, Henry was privy to a campaign since last year, dedicated to receiving the Order of BC and the Order of Canada, reported Global News.

"We have been on a long, tough journey together in BC," said Henry, "and I am grateful for the support and amazing work of my team and everyone [across the province] as we continue to weather this storm together with kindness and compassion."

She earned considerable praise for her handling of the province’s first COVID-19 wave and its vaccination program, argued to be one of the best globally. Henry delivered more than 200 public briefings alongside Health Minister Adrian Dix on COVID.

BC Premier John Horgan decided to make Henry the lead decision-maker for all items related to the pandemic. "I want to extend a special congratulations to Dr. Bonnie Henry," said Horgan, "who has led our province through an incredibly difficult pandemic with expertise, grace, and, of course, kindness."

"We are all truly grateful for your leadership," he added.

However, the award comes when COVID-19 cases grow among unvaccinated peoples due to the Delta variant. Data released by the BC Centre for Disease Control confirmed the variant was present in 60 percent of BC cases as of July 24.

BC reported 243 cases of COVID on Friday, doubling the 100 new cases reported the previous week. Over half of new cases came from the Interior Health region, containing some of the province’s lowest vaccination rates.

In the Enderby local health area, about 60 percent of people received their first dose, while Creston is a tick higher at 63 percent. However, only 53 percent of people in the Peace River South area have one dose.

The province reported 96 percent of cases since June came from those with one dose and those who remain unvaccinated.