The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 44 new test-positive cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 1,561 people.
In total, 670 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 623 in Fraser Health, 92 on Vancouver Island, 146 in Interior Health and 30 in Northern Health region.
There are now a total of 131 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 59 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 3 additional deaths were reported today, bringing the death toll in B.C. to 75. One of the three people who died is the first person to succumb to COVID-19 in the Interior Health region. The individual is a man in his 60s who had been in recovery at home.
In good news, a total of 955 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
There are now COVID-19 outbreaks at 21 long term care centres on the mainland, the hardest hit of which is the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver.
The outbreaks include a total of 265 active cases at these facilities.
“We are not at the point yet where we can let up and I know that is very challenging for people,” says Dr. Henry.
“This is a time where we need to stand together, support each other, and respond to anger with kindness.”
A technical briefing this Friday will be provided by the Ministry of Health, showing where B.C. is currently at with flattening the COVID-19 curve.
According to Minister Dix, while there are no major changes being announced on Friday, the modelling shows positive indications of people around B.C. helping to bend the curve and also addresses challenges related to outbreaks.
Authorities say there is no chance of current pandemic-related restrictions being lifted in the next two to three weeks, but the province is looking at steps to take once the curve has not just flattened but started to come down.
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 2,073,394.
Over 134,000 people have died from the illness and 508,861 have made a full recovery.
