The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 25 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province on Tuesday, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 1,291 people.
In total, 603 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 458 in Fraser Health, 79 on Vancouver Island, 128 in Interior Health and 23 in Northern Health region.
There are now a total of 138 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 66 of whom are in critical care – ICU or acute care units. A total of 11 people have been hospitalized in the Vancouver Island Health Region.
Sadly four additional deaths were reported today, all on the mainland, bringing the death toll in B.C. to 43.
In good news, a total of 805 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.
There remains 213 active cases of the virus, all in facilities located in the Fraser or Vancouver Coastal Health regions. This includes 132 residents and 81 staff members affected by the virus.
According to Health Minister Adrian Dix, 56 doctors, 880 people involved in nursing, and 30 people in allied health professions have re-joined the industry to assist front line health care workers.
Earlier today, 130 faith leaders in B.C. participated in a call with the Premier and health officials to discuss and reiterate the necessity of reaching out to the religious community virtually rather than gathering in large groups for upcoming religious celebrations.
While the provincial health order prohibiting gatherings of 50 or more people remains in place, Dr. Henry has also discouraged small gatherings indoors.
Those who choose to take part in a small gathering are advised to still maintain physical distances, wash hands, cough into elbows, and all the other precautionary measures advocated by health experts.
Minister Dix also added that while Victoria and Vancouver are forecasted to receive the best weather we have seen this year so far, this is not the time to travel to second homes and cottages.
“Let’s enjoy our blessings as much as we can but let’s enjoy them without travelling,” says Dix.
This is the 12th week that Dr. Henry and Minister Adrian Dix have been doing COVID-19 briefings in B.C.
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 1,334,233.
Over 74,100 people have died from the illness and 277,737 have made a full recovery.
