New COVID-19 cases in BC jumped above 20 for the first time in two weeks but the daily average remains under 15 for the week. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, announced 22 new infections and one new death for a total of 2,623 cases in British Columbia.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA – New COVID-19 cases in BC jumped above 20 for the first time in two weeks but the daily average remains under 15 for the week.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, announced 22 new infections and one new death for a total of 2,623 cases in British Columbia.

"There are 214 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,243 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered, they said in a joint statement.

"Of the total COVID-19 cases, 32 individuals are hospitalized, seven of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

"Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 905 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,332 in the Fraser Health region, 127 in the Island Health region, 195 in the Interior Health region and 64 in the Northern Health region.

"There has been one new COVID-19 related death in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 166 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks and two outbreaks have now been declared over at Cottage-Worthington Pavilion and The Cedars in Mission. In total, six long-term care or assisted-living facilities continue to have active outbreaks.

"Public health teams also continue to provide support for the seven ongoing community outbreaks.

"COVID-19 continues to bring challenges for all of us, and in the face of this hurdle, British Columbians have continued to stand together while staying apart.

"Racialized communities face obstacles that others to do not, and we have seen British Columbians proudly stand up and speak out against racism.

"Exercising our right to peaceful demonstration is extremely important, and equally important is keeping our communities, loved ones and friends safe during this pandemic.

"Whether going to the grocery store, seeing friends on a patio or attending a peaceful demonstration, the same rules for safe physical distancing apply.

"Be mindful of the risks you are taking and continue to follow the provincial health officer's order to limit gatherings to no more than 50 people.

"Consider alternative ways to peacefully demonstrate, as we have seen elsewhere. Gather in smaller numbers in multiple locations, maintain a safe physical distance from those around you and use a non-medical cloth mask for brief periods when in closer contact to others.

"Let's stand united across our province, our nation and around the world. Let's continue to work together and learn from others to keep our firewall strong and importantly, use this time to spread the message of respect and tolerance rather than spreading the virus."