There are now 18,714 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C. after health officials announced 998 new cases Monday.
Between Saturday and Sunday, there were 536 new cases, and between Sunday and Monday, there were 462.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there have been 210 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 737 in the Fraser Health region, 12 in the Island Health region, 28 in the Interior Health region, and 11 in the Northern Health region.
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. of people who reside outside of Canada.
There have been two new health-care facility outbreaks, and three have been declared over. In total, 32 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and five acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.
There have been five new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 281 deaths in British Columbia: "As always it pains us to know that people have succumbed to COVID-19."
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 133 individuals are hospitalized, 43 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation. As well, 9,179 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases.
There are 4,891 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 13,425 people who tested positive have recovered.
Public alerts and notifications are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website and on all health authorities’ websites.
"We need to think about the things that we did in the spring," said Henry. "Celebrate virtually."
If you are in doubt about whether to travel or see someone, Henry underscored that people should postpone these plans. "We need to think about adjusting our routines. These small steps are important for preventing transmission.
"Be outside with one or two of your friends, but keep your distance. Don't have your backyard barbecue."
Henry also emphasized that public health inspectors will be "stepping up inspections" in high-risk areas such as food processing plants. However, she adds that employers must make sure their employees do self-assessment checks and follow a safety plan.
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