The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 40 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province on Friday, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 1,410 people.
In total, 629 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 539 in Fraser Health, 84 on Vancouver Island, 132 in Interior Health and 26 in Northern Health region.
There are now a total of 128 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 65 of whom are in critical care – ICU or acute care units.
See also: COVID-19 deaths in Canada could reach up to 22,000, Health Canada projects
Sadly five additional deaths were reported today, all on the mainland, bringing the death toll in B.C. to 55.
In good news, a total of 879 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
There continue to be COVID-19 outbreaks at 20 long term care centres on the mainland, the hardest hit of which is the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver.
In a joint statement on Friday, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Adrian Dix remind people to avoid all non-essential travel this weekend.
“This is not the time to travel, unless absolutely necessary. Stay at home and be creative with how you connect and celebrate with family and friends. Find the virtue in virtual and telephone connections. Find togetherness without gathering,” reads the statement.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
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 1,688,159.
Over 102,000 people have died from the illness and 375,283 have made a full recovery.
