There are now 1,824 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C., after health officials announced 29 new cases Friday.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there are 767 cases in 麻豆传媒映画Coastal Health (VCH), 767 in Fraser Health, 114 on 麻豆传媒映画Island, 158 in Interior Health and 42 in Northern Health.
There have been no new outbreaks in long-term care facilities. Currently, there are 20 active outbreaks in long-term facilities and three acute care unit outbreaks in the 麻豆传媒映画Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions. Outbreaks are declared over at 10 care facilities.
“As of today, two employees have been confirmed positive at Superior Poultry in Coquitlam, and 35 employees have now been confirmed positive at United Poultry in Vancouver. Additionally, there are 10 confirmed positive cases connected to the Kearl Lake project in Alberta," reported Henry.
“Public health teams are also providing support to a number of community outbreaks, and we expect to continue to see more cases in the coming days as contact tracing continues."
The outbreak at the Mission federal correctional institute in the Fraser Valley continues to grow. Now, there are 78 cases that are positive for COVID-19.
There have been an additional four deaths, for a total of 98 fatalities in the province.
There are currently 96 people in acute care in hospital and 41 are in critical care.
1092 people have fully recovered and are no longer in isolation.
“Maintaining a safe physical distance, washing hands frequently and staying home when ill continue to be the best things we can do to protect our communities and continue to bend the curve," stated Henry.
“While our weekends are a time to unwind and relax, the exception is with these important health measures. As you get outside and safely spend time with loved ones, let’s continue to stay strong and show care and compassion to those around us, by ensuring we do not undo all of our hard work and sacrifice.”
Earlier this week, 麻豆传媒映画Coastal Health (VCH) Public Health has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 among staff working at United Poultry Company Ltd., a chicken processing plant located at 534 East Cordova Street. To date, 29 employees of the facility have tested positive for COVID-19. All employees at the facility are being managed as either COVID-19 cases or close contacts and have been told to self-isolate.
Henry also encourages everyone to be kind to people who have to continue to work during the pandemic, such as those working in grocery stores, pharmacies, and in health care. She adds that isolation can be challenging, and that anyone who has an underlying illness should contact a doctor through virtual care. She mentions and as useful resources for mental health.
In a previous briefing, Henry noted that people should consult the new online assessment tool if they aren't sure if they require further testing or assessment for COVID-19. She also underscored the importance of physical distancing, hand washing, covering your mouth if you cough, not touching your face and staying home if you are sick.
