There is no doubt that BC has been largely spared of the pain seen in other provinces especially Quebec and Ontario but the outlook here is good for a quicker start to the increased economic activity while still taking precautions for social distancing to avoid large gatherings. 

By PD Raj – Senior Writer DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA – Even after reopening the economy under Phase Two, the number of daily COVID-19 cases are so low as to nearly declare the virus over and accelerate the next phase of reopening. Is BC treading too cautiously or it’s worth taking the slow, cautious approach to reopening?

There is no doubt that BC has been largely spared of the pain seen in other provinces especially Quebec and Ontario but the outlook here is good for a quicker start to the increased economic activity while still taking precautions for social distancing to avoid large gatherings. 

Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, announced just a single new infection on Friday including one death for a total of 2,632 cases in British Columbia. One case from Thursday’s total was removed due to a data correction.

"There are 193 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,272 people who tested positive have recovered,” they said in a joint statement.

"Of the total COVID-19 cases, 21 individuals are hospitalized, five 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 908 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,335 in the Fraser Health region, 130 in the Island Health region, 195 in the Interior Health region and 64 in the Northern Health region. The number of cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health region has been adjusted by one case to reflect a reporting error.

"There has been one new COVID-19 related death in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 167 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 the outbreak at the Berkley Care Centre has been declared over. In total, five long-term care or assisted-living facilities continue to have active outbreaks.

"There have been no new community outbreaks. Public health teams are providing support for the eight ongoing community outbreaks.

"As the recent B.C. COVID-19 modelling has shown us, we can safely reopen many businesses, return to in-class learning and gradually increase our social interactions, but we have to be cautious that we don't go too far and risk a resurgence in cases.

"The key is to minimize, manage and modify: minimize the number of new cases and close contacts, manage clusters and outbreaks with rapid contact tracing by public health teams and modify the measures we are all following, as needed.

"This means you should continue to assess your risks with every step and take precautions to protect yourself and those around you. Without exception, always stay home when ill and follow the rules for safe physical distancing. Remember that the provincial health officer's order limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people remains in place."

"We have learned a lot about COVID-19. Most importantly, we have learned that we must all stay vigilant, that a slow and thoughtful approach will protect us and keep us safe, and that by working together and doing our part, we will get through this."