The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 26 new test-positive cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 2,171 people.
In total, 832 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 992 in Fraser Health, 123 on Vancouver Island, 175 in Interior Health and 49 in Northern Health region.
The majority of active cases remaining are linked to the known cluster outbreaks described below.
There are now a total of 72 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, several of whom are in critical care – ICU or acute care units — showing a continued decline in hospitalizations.
Sadly, two new deaths were reported today and the death toll is now at 114 in total across the province.
In good news, a total of 1,376 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. and a total of twelve long term care facility outbreaks have been declared over.
In total, 21 facilities and three acute-care units have active outbreaks, with outbreaks declared over at 12 care facilities. There are a total of 416 cases, including 261 residents and 155 staff.
One new outbreak has been reported today at the Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry processing facility where there are three cases of COVID-19.
According to Dr. Henry, an investigation is ongoing into that facility and outbreak protocols have been put in place.
The outbreak related to workers returning to B.C. from the Kearl Lake oil sands project in Alberta has been proving particularly challenging, says Dr. Henry, as the virus has been traced to workers’ families which then has an impact on the wider community.
“We cannot afford to have any missteps as we look to ease our restrictions in the coming weeks,” said Dr. Henry.
An updated number of cases linked to the Mission institute facility, United Poultry Company, Superior Poultry processing plant, and the Kearl Lake oil sands project will be released later today.
Island Health region
Specific data for the Vancouver Island Health region shows that there are 123 total cases of COVID-19 in the area.
BCCDC data shows that as of May 1st, 101 people have recovered in the Island Health region and there have now been four virus-related deaths in total.
This means there are now 18 active cases in the region.
Three people with COVID-19 are currently hospitalized.
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 3,457,768.
Over 243,200 people have died from the illness and 1,102,914 have made a full recovery.
