The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 25 new test-positive cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 1,724 people.
In total, 707 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 715 in Fraser Health, 109 on Vancouver Island, 153 in Interior Health and 40 in Northern Health region.
There are now a total of 109 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 51 of whom are in critical care – ICU or acute care units — showing a continued decline in hospitalizations.
See also: B.C.’s COVID-19 curve has flattened, officials say due to stringent public health measures
Sadly, one new death was reported today and the death toll is now at 87 in total across the province.
In good news, a total of 1,041 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C. Most recent data from the BC CDC, dated April 20th shows that 71 people in Island Health Region have been declared recovered from COVID-19.
There are now outbreaks at 20 long term care centres on the mainland and one unit in an acute care facility, the hardest hit of which is the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver. A total of 319 people at long term care facilities have tested positive for the virus.
The coronavirus outbreak at the Mission Institute federal correctional facility now has 76 people who have tested positive for COVID-19, 65 of whom are inmates and 11 staff members.
An additional outbreak has been detected at a chicken processing and packaging plant, United Poultry Company, in Vancouver where 28 employees tested positive for COVID-19.
Those employees were not recorded as part of today’s total number of new cases as the tests were conducted recently, but will be reflected in the numbers over the next few days.
Dr. Bonnie Henry says there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through the consumption of meat products or via packaging.
“We will find our new normal in the coming weeks but it is not yet the time to lessen our guard,” said Dr. Henry, reiterating her usual message to stay the course and keep following provincial health directives until otherwise advised.
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 2,551,137.
Over 177,100 people have died from the illness and 688,356 have made a full recovery.
