The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 26 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 3,419.
In total, 1,057 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 1,764 in Fraser Health, 142 on Vancouver Island, 319 in Interior Health, 79 in Northern Health region, and 58 people whose residence is outside of Canada.
The number of active cases has dropped by 10 to 294 in B.C.
There are a total of 12 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 191 in total.
A total of 2,934 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
An outbreak in Haida Gwaii has resulted in 13 confirmed cases, one of whom has recovered. The initial source of the outbreak is under investigation, but all of the cases are epidemiologically linked.
The Province says in the Haida Gwaii outbreak, the cases are all among local residents, some of whom had travelled off-island and are related, and others who were exposed to known cases.
Also identified as cases of concern were additional community exposure events around the province, including Fossello’s clothing store in Kelowna.
See also: New rules announced for B.C. restaurants and bars as COVID-19 cases continue to surge
In light of earlier exposures in the interior, 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.
A new health order redefining guidelines for pubs and nightclubs was issued Thursday. Business owners are now moving to adjust to this order.
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. These numbers are consistent from Thursday.
This means there are now nine active cases remaining in the region.
Thus far, there have been 241,715 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 36,058 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 15,929,885.
Over 641,000 people have died from the illness and 9,714,608 have made a full recovery.
