There are now 16,560 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C. after health officials announced 425 new cases Thursday.
Four of the cases are epi-linked.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there have been 126 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 268 in the Fraser Health region, 7 in the Island Health region, 8 in the Interior Health region, and 6 in the Northern Health region.
Additionally, 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 one outbreak has been declared over. In total, 28 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.
There have been no new community outbreaks.
There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 273 deaths in British Columbia.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 97 individuals are hospitalized, 24 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation. As well, 7,519 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases.
There are 3,389 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 12,806 people who tested positive have recovered.
Alerts are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website, as well as on health authorities’ websites, providing details on where the potential exposure occurred and what actions to take – whether you need to self-isolate or monitor for symptoms.
“As we learn more about COVID-19, we have adapted and can continue our daily activities in a safe way, and we will continue to modify our approach as we move forward," said Henry.
“As cases rise, our greatest impact will be made through the small actions we take each day. Now, fewer faces make for safer spaces. By staying small, we can protect our well-being."
Individuals are responsible for basic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as regular hand washing, covering coughs, maintaining physical distance when possible, avoiding touching the face, and wearing face coverings when it isn't possible to physically distance, said Henry.
“The foundational layers of protection and provincewide orders in place throughout B.C. are our steady guideposts to help chart our path forward," added Henry.
“If you need some encouragement, look to the many children and teens who have quickly adapted to the protective measures in schools. They have learned how to safely play sports and were also able to dress up and have fun while still being careful last weekend.
“Let’s remember as the days get darker, there is lightness ahead. We will get through the challenges of COVID-19 by all of us doing our part, while staying apart.”
