The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 31 new test-positive and three epidemiologically linked cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number of cases in B.C. to 3,362.
In total, 1,049 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 1,742 in Fraser Health, 141 on Vancouver Island, 304 in Interior Health, 69 in Northern Health region, and 57 people whose residence is outside of Canada.
The number of active cases has increased by 19 to 285 in B.C.
There are a total of 17 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, three of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
No new deaths were reported over the past 24 hours, and the death toll stands at 189 in total.
In good news, a total of 2,888 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
One health care outbreak was reported last week at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, in which one infant tested positive for the virus.
An ongoing community outbreak at the Krazy Cherry Fruit Co. farm in Oliver, B.C. has had four people test positive for COVID-19. Those who live and work on the farm are under restrictions to limit further transmission.
Further, over 70 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 that are associated with private events and social gatherings in Kelowna.
See also: “We are on the edge”: Uptick in B.C. COVID-19 cases attributed to social gatherings
According to the provincial health officer, nearly 1,000 British Columbians are currently self isolating at home as a result of exposures in Kelowna.
Residents are also urged to check the HealthLink BC website for all public alerts about possible exposures to the virus.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to monitor their symptoms, reduce the number of contacts they have, and call 811 to get tested for the virus if they do develop symptoms.
Provincial health order amendment
As a result of an uptick in cases associated with young people in their 20s and 30s gathering in different groups, the provincial health officer has announced amendments to a health order regulating operations at bars and restaurants in the province.
There will be no more liquor self service allowed at bars, and patrons must remain in their designated seats except for bathroom breaks.
Dance floors will also no longer be operational at bars and nightclubs.
This amended order will be posted on the Ministry of Health website shortly.
Island Health region
Four new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Island Health region earlier this week, and one more case was added to that list on Wednesday.
There have been 141 total cases of COVID-19 in the area, five of whom have died, and 128 people have recovered.
This means there are now eight active cases remaining in the region.
Thus far, there have been 238,346 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 34,871 of which were done in the Island Health region.
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 15,317,929.
Over 624,570 people have died from the illness and 9,246,440 have made a full recovery.
