There are now 14 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C., health officials announced Thursday, bringing the provincial total to 1,575.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there are 670 cases in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Coastal Health (VCH), 630 in Fraser Health, 94 on Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island, 149 in Interior Health and 32 in Northern Health.
“There have been two new outbreaks in the last day: the Kootenay Street Village long-term care facility in the Interior health region and an acute care unit at the Ridge Meadows Hospital in the Fraser Health region.Currently, there are 26 active outbreaks in facilities in the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions.The outbreak at the Mission federal correctional institute in the Fraser Valley continues to grow. Now, the institute has 61 people who have tested positive, and there has been one death related to the outbreak.
There are currently 120 people in acute care in hospital, and 56 are in intensive care.
There have been three new deaths. This brings the provincial total of fatalities to 78. For the first time, there has been a death of a man in the interior. He was in his 60s when he passed.
983 people have fully recovered and are no longer in isolation.
“As we all continue to maintain safe physical distancing precautions and follow good hand hygiene, it is vital that we show care and compassion for those around us," said Henry. "Our shared efforts to flatten the curve make a difference. Each day that we hold the line, we are stronger and better for it."
“This week, temporary foreign workers are arriving in our province to help sustain our food and agricultural supplies. We welcome them to our province as they complete 14 days of self-isolation," she continued.
'We have also put a new provincial health officer’s order in place to require agricultural employers to establish and maintain infection control plans. To support these efforts, we have authorized bylaw enforcement officers to review these plans to ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect the workers and our communities."
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.
