The province is now one Covid-19 case shy of 1,700 after today’s (Monday) update.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 52 new cases of the virus in B.C., bringing the total to 1,699.
“In the first reporting period through April 19, we had 29 new cases, for a total of 1,676 cases in British Columbia. In the last 24 hours, we have had a further 23 new cases,” explained Dr. Henry.
Five new cases were reported within Northern Health, the region sits at 39.
In addition, five more people passed away from the virus since Saturday’s update for a provincial death count of 86.
“There has been one new outbreak at the Chartwell Willow long-term care facility on the last day. In total, 20 long-term care and assisted-living facilities, and one acute-care unit have active outbreaks. Outbreaks have been declared over at six facilities, in addition to the provincial Okanagan Correctional Centre,” added Dr. Henry.
Additionally, there are now 75 cases associated with the Mission Institution federal correctional centre.
“We have also seen a number of new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. related to the Kearl Lake project near Fort McMurray, Alberta. Anyone who was at the site from March to present is ordered to immediately self-isolate for 14 days and contact your primary care provider, 811 or local public-health teams,” she said.
Dr. Henry confirms Northern Health and Interior Health have reported cases associated with the Kearl Lake outbreak.
“The guidance we have in place for work camps clearly outlines how to safely operate, and what should be done in the event of a positive case of COVID-19. It is important that employers and workers continue to follow these guidelines to stay safe,”
The number of hospitalizations in B.C. is the lowest level since March 29, with 104 people receiving medical care and 49.
However, 1,039 people have made a full recovery, roughly 61%.
Dr. Henry also announced changes to BC’s approach to testing.
“Initially, our approach was to understand the source of transmission by testing returning travellers, in addition to using community surveillance testing through our ongoing influenza response. As widespread community transmission occurred, we adjusted our testing to focus on our highest risk and most vulnerable people,” she commented.
This includes outbreaks in long-term care, critically ill people and healthcare workers.
“We are now using testing to help us quickly identify and address any new community clusters and outbreaks that may emerge,”
“We want to avoid another spike in new cases and continue to flatten our curve. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms can now be assessed and tested through a physician, nurse practitioner or a local community collection centre,” added Henry.
She stressed even though testing is now broadly available, a test has limited benefit for those without symptoms.
“We are not through the storm. We must remain vigilant to protect loved ones, elders and all of our communities,”
“We can only introduce modifications to the orders we have in place with further improvement and with all us remaining 100% committed. Let’s stay strong.”
The breakdown by health authority:
- 70o in Vancouver Coastal Health (+14)
- 705 in Fraser Health (+34)
- 102 in Island Health (+5)
- 153 in Interior Health (+ 3)
- 39 in Northern Health (+5)