The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 45 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province since Saturday, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 1,490 people.
There were 25 test positive cases on Sunday, while 20 people tested positive in the last 24 hours.
In total, 650 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 591 in Fraser Health, 87 on Vancouver Island, 136 in Interior Health and 26 in Northern Health region.
There are now a total of 137 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 58 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 11 additional deaths were reported today, all on the mainland, bringing the death toll in B.C. to 69. Dr. Henry says most of these deaths were at long term care facilities on the mainland.
In good news, a total of 905 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.
This includes a total of 254 active cases at these facilities, including 159 residents and 97 staff members.
Dr. Henry also addressed that there are now 35 test-positive cases of COVID-19 at the federal correctional facility in Mission, B.C. as a result of transmission that occurred inside the prison before the outbreak was recognized. Eight people from the facility have been hospitalized.
In travel-related news, 1,071 travellers have returned to B.C. from abroad since April 10th by air or land.
Health officials say support systems are in place, as 13 people who did not have a self isolation plan were given quarantine accommodation and 207 were contacted in follow ups to ensure they have what they need to safely self isolate.
In addressing questions about the number of people who have been travelling over the long weekend, Dr. Henry says that BC Ferries has reported over 80 per cent decline on travellers on all routes.
Further, Health Minister Adrian Dix stated that BC ferries has reported 92 per cent decline for travel on major routes over the 2020 Easter long weekend compared the same time period last year.
This is enough for the provincial health officer to state that the province has been united in “keeping our firewall strong”, and reminds us that many need to travel for essential purposes.
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 1,897,148.
Over 117,700 people have died from the illness and 438,205 have made a full recovery.
