There are now 94,769 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C. after health officials announced 800 new cases Thursday.
Six of the new cases are epi-linked.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there have been 264 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 381 in the Fraser Health region, 45 in the Island Health region, 50 in the Interior Health region, 58 in the Northern Health Region and two new cases from people who reside outside of Canada.
There have been 191 new confirmed COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern in B.C., for a total of 1,772 cases. Of the total cases, 215 are active and the remaining people have recovered. This includes 1,549 cases of the B.1.1.7 (U.K.) variant, 47 cases of the B.1.351 (South Africa) variant and 176 cases of the P.1 (Brazil) variant.
“To date, 610,671 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-SII COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 87,212 of which are second doses. Vaccine appointment bookings are now open for people 75 or older, and Indigenous peoples over age 55," said Henry.
There has been one new outbreak declared at Chilliwack General Hospital.
There have been five new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,446 deaths in British Columbia.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 396 individuals are hospitalized, 79 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation. Currently, _ people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases.
There are 5,856 active cases of COVID-19 with 9,964 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases; 45,229 people who tested positive have recovered.
Resources for seniors, a note on Easter, Passover, Ramadan and Vaisakhi
Henry added that health care officials continue to strive to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus due to severe illness.
“We know our seniors and Elders – especially those residing in long-term care – have carried a disproportionate burden facing higher risks, combined with the isolation required to stay safe. Recognizing the majority of seniors and Elders in long-term care are vaccinated, starting on April 1, the visitor restrictions will be eased," she explained.
Through the ongoing dialogue with a wide range of faith leaders, health officials have also developed a limited variance to the gathering and events order allow for indoor services on four days between Sunday, March 28 and Thursday, May 13, 2021.
“Each faith can identify the days most appropriate for their faith – whether for Easter, Passover, Ramadan or Vaisakhi."
The maximum capacity is 50 people, or 10% of the worship space capacity – whatever is less. However, there are several safety requirements and protocols that must be met by worship service organizers and attendees alike.
“We remind everyone that although some outside activities are allowed, we must keep going with our protective layers. Until everyone has been protected with immunization, our protective layers must be the first and last thing we think about – whether at home, work, school or elsewhere.”
