There is good news on the COVID-19 front as cases continued to decline over the last three days, the last 24 hour period seeing cases below 300 for the first time in months. Although there were 12 new deaths since Friday, the downward case trajectory is good news and reopening plans are to be announced Tuesday morning which should see indoor dining at restaurants return this week. Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, reported on three periods. From May 21 to May 22, BC had 356 new cases. From May 22 to May 23, BC had 325 new cases and in the last 24 hours, we had a further 293 new cases. The results were 974 new cases over the period, for a total of 142,347 cases in British Columbia.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA – There is good news on the COVID-19 front as cases continued to decline over the last three days, the last 24 hour period seeing cases below 300 for the first time in months. Although there were 12 new deaths since Friday, the downward case trajectory is good news and reopening plans are to be announced Tuesday morning which should see indoor dining at restaurants return this week.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, reported on three periods. From May 21 to May 22, BC had 356 new cases. From May 22 to May 23, BC had 325 new cases and in the last 24 hours, we had a further 293 new cases. The results were 974 new cases over the period, for a total of 142,347 cases in British Columbia.

"There are 3,953 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. A further 136,603 people who tested positive have recovered,” they said in a joint statement Monday.

"Of the active cases, 292 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 96 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

"Since we last reported, we have had 157 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 630 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 25 in the Island Health region, 117 in the Interior Health region, 44 in the Northern Health region and one new case of a person who resides outside of Canada.

"There have been 12 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,679 deaths in British Columbia. Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19.

"2,885,488 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to adults 18 and over in B.C., 147,144 of which are second doses.

"Today is one day closer to putting this pandemic behind us. It's the decisions we make right now and continue to make in the coming days and weeks that will make all the difference in our efforts to continue pushing COVID-19 numbers down.

"On this holiday Monday, we are grateful for the determination and resolve British Columbians have shown. Their willingness to end this pandemic has been immeasurable.

"As we look to tomorrow and the announcement of the restart plan, we encourage everyone to stay the course today. Until tomorrow's announcement, there are no changes for individuals or businesses.

"As we enjoy the final day of this long weekend, let's remember to stay local and be kind to one another. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday Monday."