The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 29 new test-positive and one epidemiologically linked cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number of cases in B.C. to 3,392.
In total, 1,051 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 1,750 in Fraser Health, 142 on Vancouver Island, 315 in Interior Health, 77 in Northern Health region, and 57 people whose residence is outside of Canada.
The number of active cases has increased by 19 to 304 in B.C.
There are a total of 16 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, three of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
One new death was reported over the past 24 hours, and the death toll stands at 190 in total.
In good news, a total of 2,898 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.
Further, over 70 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 that are associated with private events and social gatherings in Kelowna.
According to the provincial health officer, nearly 1,000 British Columbians are currently self isolating at home as a result of exposures in Kelowna.
See also: New rules announced for B.C. restaurants and bars as COVID-19 cases continue to surge
In light of these exposures, Dr. Bonnie Henry says she is in the process of drawing up a Provincial Health Order to limit the number of visitors allowed to stay at vacation rental properties including houseboats. This order will be applicable for jurisdictions across B.C.
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.
Island Health region
Five new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Island Health region earlier this week, and one more case was added to that list on Thursday.
There have been 142 total cases of COVID-19 in the area, five of whom have died, and 128 people have recovered.
This means there are now nine active cases remaining in the region.
Thus far, there have been 241,013 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 35,241 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 15,530,121.
Over 633,000 people have died from the illness and 9,446,618 have made a full recovery.
