There have been no Covid-19 related deaths for the sixth day in a row, say BC Health Officials, as BC’s total continues to hold steady at 167.
The province saw 14 cases in the past day, however, all were in the lower mainland.
Northern Health remains at 66 cases, and Interior is at 195.
2,694 people have tested positive, with 183 active cases, and 2,344 people now recovered.
Of those, 13 are in hospital, up from 12 yesterday (Wednesday) and five are in intensive care, up from four.
“There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. In total, five long-term care or assisted-living facilities continue to have active outbreaks,” said Provincial Health Officer Doctor Bonnie Henry.
“There have been no new community outbreaks and public health teams continue to provide support for the six ongoing community outbreaks,” she added.
Doctor Henry also spoke on the ongoing overdose crisis, as BC saw the highest number of drug-toxicity deaths in one month (170) in provincial history.
She says there has been a dramatic increase in street drug toxicity provincewide and resources have been stretched to the limit.
“COVID-19 is not our only health crisis. Today, the BC Coroners Service announced that 170 people in B.C. have died from overdoses from a toxic illicit drug supply in the month of May alone,” said Doctor Henry.
“The extent and complexity of the two crises we are facing, the overdose crisis and COVID-19 pandemic, have stretched our public health capacity to the limits. COVID-19 is forcing all of us to stay further apart from others, isolating people, and adding to what is already an immense challenge.”
She added the province had made ‘serious ground’ on the overdose crisis leading up to the pandemic, however, the restrictions have changed that.
Dr. Henry says the stigma around drug use and coming forward to loved ones about addiction.
“Addiction and substance use are complex. We must eliminate the stigma and shame that leads people to be afraid to reach out to their family or friends to even talk about their drug use, and we must all do our part to protect ourselves, our communities and our loved ones,”
“We must all show compassion and understanding for our family, our friends or our colleagues. We have shown what we can do to look out for one another in B.C. and, whether it is COVID-19 or drug use, that saves lives.”
A PSA has launched today to tell drug users there are supports for them, she added.
On a national safe drug supply, Dr. Henry says it is something the province should be pushing for and focused on.
The special committee on this has taken a backseat since the pandemic’s onset, she explained.
Meanwhile, instead of operating at 50 percent, restaurants will be asked to identify a capacity limit that includes patios.
The firm number will allow health officials to inspect businesses properly.
There are additional restrictions on the way for self serve and buffet stations.
Additionally, Doctor Henry weighed in on Vancouver being approved as an NHL hub city by the provincial government.
She stressed the plan is still in the early stages, and there are a lot of moving pieces involved before it can move forward.
“There are no exceptions to the rules. In no way will we compromise all the work we’ve done, for the NHL or any other group,” she explained.
Dr. Henry says the players will be in a household bubble, subject to intense screening and testing, and they would remain in the team bubble the entire time.
Families will also not be coming with the players, she added, as players and staff will have no contact with the public for the entire stay in Vancouver.
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