There are now 1,618 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C., after health officials announced 43 new cases Friday.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there are 680 cases in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Coastal Health (VCH), 661 in Fraser Health, 94 on Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island, 150 in Interior Health and 33 in Northern Health.
There have been no new outbreaks in long-term care facilities. Currently, there are 20 active outbreaks in facilities and one acute care unit in the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions.
Outbreaks have been declared over at five facilities, and in review, one facility had been included in error. Officials have confirmed that the outbreak at Broadway Pentecostal Lodge was an influenza outbreak and not COVID-19. The lodge has been removed from the list.
The outbreak at the Mission federal correctional institute in the Fraser Valley continues to grow. Now, the institute has 63 people who have tested positive, and there has been one death related to the outbreak.
There are currently 119 people in acute care in hospital, and 52 are in intensive care.
966 people have fully recovered and are no longer in isolation.
Henry says that the modelling that was released today clearly shows the resiliency and 100% commitment of everyone in B.C. is having a positive impact As such, "We are bending the curve."
“Of note, the errors that occurred in the April 16 data have been corrected. The updated information is available on the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) website and is reflected in today’s cumulative numbers," states Henry.
Henry likens the COVID-19 situation in B.C. to the eye of a storm in a Category 5 hurricane. She notes that a great deal is still unknown and that the risk is high, but that through our efforts the storm will continue to lessen.
“What happens next is directly tied to your continued efforts. We still have new cases, new outbreaks and tragically, new deaths. We cannot afford a resurgence that will undo all of the effort and sacrifices we have made so far," says Henry.
“We all want opportunities for more social connection, but we’re not there yet. To safely ease restrictions, we must be thoughtful and careful in our approach. As we look ahead, we need to find the right balance. That is even more challenging because of the nature of the COVID-19 virus."
As for the months to come, Henry advises that the 'new normal' will be a modification of what we are doing now. Physical distancing, staying home as much as possible and following good hand hygiene will continue.
“The standards for essential businesses today will be the template as we move forward. Clear parameters will be given, and we will connect with individual sectors to determine how best to work within the requirements," she added.
“We thank the many researchers and epidemiology experts at the BCCDC, Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia for their collective efforts on the important modelling work. When you raise your voices for the 7 p.m. cheer, let’s take a moment to acknowledge their hard work and all of our continued commitment to standing together to safeguard our province.”
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.
