There are now 3,392 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C. after health officials announced 30 new cases Thursday.
One of these cases are epidemiologically linked.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there are 1,051 cases in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Coastal Health (VCH), 1,750 in Fraser Health, 142 on Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island, 315 in Interior Health and 77 in Northern Health.
Additionally, there have been 57 cases of COVID-19 in B.C. of people who reside outside of Canada.
There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. In total, one long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.
Last week, a newborn intensive care unit at a Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»hospital is the site of the latest COVID-19 outbreak in the city.
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Coastal Health, which administers health care services for much of Greater Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»region and the inner south and central coasts, issued a notice about the outbreak Thursday.
The outbreak covers the neo-natal intensive care unit at St. Paul's hospital in downtown Vancouver.
There are several community exposure events and one active community outbreak. Public health teams are actively contact tracing and requesting the assistance of anyone who may have been exposed to monitor themselves closely and follow public health guidance.
There has been one new COVID-19 related death, for a total of 190 fatalities in the province.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 16 individuals are hospitalized, three of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.
There are 304 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,898 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.
“COVID-19 can be a stealthy virus, silently moving around our province with far-reaching impacts and serious consequences," said Henry. “Outside or inside, visiting a friend or out for dinner, being around crowds of people, especially those you do not know, puts you at risk.
“Rather, keep your groups small and spend time only with those you know. Use the layers of protection to keep yourself and those you care for safe."
Henry reiterated that there should be no more than six people at tables in restaurants and that this guidance can also be used for other social activities.
“If you are faced with a large crowd, choose another spot to spend time with your friends. You can protect your household bubble, your family and close friends by being mindful of those around you and giving each other the space to stay safe.
“Everyone deserves a fun and safe summer, yet over 1,000 people in every health authority throughout our province are now self-isolating – many because they are connected to the Kelowna community exposure. They have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are at high risk.
“These British Columbians have had to close their businesses or miss work, isolate from their family and friends, and not leave their home unless it is to get medical care.
“As this community exposure has shown us, the actions of a few can affect many.
“Yet we can take confidence in knowing that here in British Columbia, we know what we need to do to turn this around and bend our curve back down.
“Be the voice of compassion. Show those around you that you care by having safe social interactions with fewer faces. Let’s flatten our curve once again.”
- With files from the Canadian Press.
