There are now 659 cases of COVID-19 in B.C., after provincial health officer Dr. Henry reported 42 new cases Wednesday.Ìý
Another resident of the Lynn Valley Care Centre has died from the coronavirus, said Henry, but no new cases have been identifed there.
However, a ninth long-term care home, the Broadway Pentecostal Lodge in Vancouver, has reported a case of the illness, and cases at the Haro Park Centre, also in Vancouver, have increased, as 27 staff members and 28 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday.Ìý
There are now 64 people in hospital, 26 of whom are in ICU, said Henry, and 183 people have now recovered from their illness.
There are now 339 cases in the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Coastal Health region, 218 in Fraser Health, 47 in Island Health, 46 in Interior Health and nine in Northern Health.
Henry said that 55 healthcare workers connected to long-term care homes have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.ÌýÌý
The B.C. Coroner is investigating the death of a North Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»dentist who was at a dental conference linked to a number of COVID-19 cases. It's not known whether his death is related to the coronavirus outbreak.
"The coroner is investigating a sudden, unexpected death in the community," said Henry. "We don't know if it was related to coronavirus or not, and that is why the coroner is investigating."
While there's less of a jump in the number of reported cases, Henry said that's not a sign the outbreak in B.C. is slowing down. The cases being reported now are people who were exposed to the virus anywhere from two to 14 days ago.Ìý
"I'm certainly not pleased with any trajectory that's above zero," said Henry, "but I think the reality is this reflects what has happened over the last 14 days."
Henry added we won't start seeing the impact from the "draconian" social distancing measures the province has implemented until next week.
"What I want to see is these numbers starting to come down over the next couple of days," said Henry. "We are still in the waiting and watching phase."
That's why it's so important for people to stay home if they have any symptoms, she said, and for people keep their distance from others.Ìý
Henry called on faith leaders, and all British Columbians, to stop gathering in groups, even small ones, if they don't live together. She asked faith leaders to move to virtual services.Ìý
"This is not an order of convenience. This is something that is required to protect people," she said.Ìý"We need to connect virtually. We need to have a safe space between us for the next little while."
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