The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 29 new test-positive cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 1,853 people.
In total, 767 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 772 in Fraser Health, 114 on Vancouver Island, 158 in Interior Health and 42 in Northern Health region.
There are now a total of 96 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 41 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, four new deaths were reported today and the death toll is now at 98 in total across the province.
In good news, a total of 1,114 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
There are no new outbreaks at a long term care facilities across B.C. In total, 20 facilities and three acute-care units have active outbreaks, with outbreaks declared over at 10 care facilities.
The coronavirus outbreak at the Mission Institute federal correctional facility continues to have 78 people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Five inmates have been hospitalized.
The outbreak at a Vancouver chicken processing and packaging plant, United Poultry Company, now has 35 employees who tested positive for COVID-19.
Its sister plant, the Superior Poultry processing plant in Coquitlam now has two test-positive cases of patients who have contracted the virus.
In addition, there are now 10 COVID-19 cases connected to workers returning from the Kearl Lake oil sands project in Alberta.
Island Health region
Specific data for the Vancouver Island Health region shows that there are 114 total cases of COVID-19 in the area.
BCCDC data shows that as of April 23rd, 80 people have recovered in the Island Health region and there were three virus-related deaths in total.
This means there are now 31 active cases in the region.
Five people with COVID-19 are currently hospitalized and one person is in ICU.
“While our weekends are a time to unwind and relax, the exception is with these important health measures,” reads the statement from the Ministry of Health.
“As you get outside and safely spend time with loved ones, let’s continue to stay strong and show care and compassion to those around us, by ensuring we do not undo all of our hard work and sacrifice.”
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 2,820,935.
Over 196,700 people have died from the illness and 779,774 have made a full recovery.
