There are now 3,881 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C. after health officials announced 47 new cases Thursday.
One of the new cases is epi-linked.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there are 1,143 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), 2,045 in Fraser Health, 146 on Vancouver Island, 385 in Interior Health and 93 in Northern Health.
Additionally, there have been 69 cases of COVID-19 in B.C. of people who reside outside of Canada.
There have been two new outbreaks at long-term health-care facilities. In total, four long-term care or assisted-living facilities have active outbreaks and one in acute care.
There are no new community outbreaks. However, there continues to be community exposure events throughout the province and on flights into and out of British Columbia.
Vancouver Coastal Health says that people who visited Lion's Bay Beach Park at the end of July may have been exposed to COVID-19. On its public exposures page, the agency lists the Lion's Bay Beach Park warning at the top of its current exposures.
There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths, and the total remains at 195 fatalities in the province.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 11 individuals are hospitalized, five of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.
There are 371 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 3,315 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.
“As COVID-19 remains in our communities, so does the anxiety and stress that comes with the uncertainty, the increased isolation and the need to take precautions in everything we do," said Henry. “Younger people, in particular, may not fully understand why many of the activities they normally enjoy are no longer available, look different and require us to interact with each other in new ways.
Henry adds that people need to take the time to check in with their friends, family and neighbours, young and old, to provide a mental health boost and to ensure they have the support we all need – especially for those who may be self-isolating.
“If you have been struggling and need additional support, resources are available for you. For youth who may be struggling, the Kids Help Phone is available by phone, text and online 1 800 668-6868 and at: Kidshelpphone.ca."
People experiencing family or intimate-partner violence can also get support 24/7 through VictimLinkBC and 1 800 563-0808.
“People all across B.C. have demonstrated unparalleled compassion and kindness in the face of COVID-19. It is something we can all be proud of and something we must continue," highlighted Henry.
“As we make this summer of 2020 the summer to play safe and stay safe, let’s also make it the summer of consideration and care for those around us.”
