"The modelling we released today clearly shows the resiliency and 100% commitment of everyone in B.C. is having a positive impact. We are bending the curve,” announced Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer. "There are now 63 cases of COVID-19 associated with the Mission Institution federal correctional centre, six of whom are in hospital. Fraser Health officials continue to work with Correction Services Canada to manage this outbreak.”

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA – New modeling data shows that the isolation and restrictions posed by BC is having a huge impact and it is helping us bending the curve, it was announced Friday.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, announced 43 new cases, for a total of 1,618 cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia.

"Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19: 680 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 661 are in the Fraser Health region, 94 are in the Island Health region, 150 are in the Interior Health region and 33 are in the Northern Health region,” they said

"There have been no new outbreaks in 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 five facilities, and in review, one facility had been included in error. We have confirmed that the outbreak at Broadway Pentecostal Lodge was an influenza outbreak and not COVID-19. The lodge has been removed from the list.

"There are now 63 cases of COVID-19 associated with the Mission Institution federal correctional centre, six of whom are in hospital. Fraser Health officials continue to work with Correction Services Canada to manage this outbreak.

"To date, 966 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered and no longer require isolation. Recovery criteria for the Vancouver Health Authority have been updated to more accurately reflect recovery. New methods include consideration for specific patient symptomology. This has resulted in the decrease in patients considered recovered.

"Of the total COVID-19 cases, 119 individuals are hospitalized and 52 of those are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

"Of note, the errors that occurred in the April 16 data have been corrected. The updated information is available on the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) website and is reflected in today's cumulative numbers.

"The modelling we released today clearly shows the resiliency and 100% commitment of everyone in B.C. is having a positive impact. We are bending the curve.

"People in B.C. have listened and done the right thing. We are grateful for what everyone has done.

"We are in the eye of the storm in a Category 5 hurricane. The risk is still very high and there are many unknowns, but we are hopeful that with all of us standing strong, the storm will continue to lessen.

"What happens next is directly tied to your continued efforts. We still have new cases, new outbreaks and tragically, new deaths. We cannot afford a resurgence that will undo all of the effort and sacrifices we have made so far.

"We all want opportunities for more social connection, but we're not there yet. To safely ease restrictions, we must be thoughtful and careful in our approach. As we look ahead, we need to find the right balance. That is even more challenging because of the nature of the COVID-19 virus.

"Our new normal in the months ahead will be a modification of what we are doing now. The physical distancing measures, staying home if you are ill and following good hand hygiene will continue. And, it is vital that we continue to show care and compassion for those around us.

"The standards for essential businesses today will be the template as we move forward. Clear parameters will be given, and we will connect with individual sectors to determine how best to work within the requirements.

"We thank the many researchers and epidemiology experts at the BCCDC, Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia for their collective efforts on the important modelling work. When you raise your voices for the 7 p.m. cheer, let's take a moment to acknowledge their hard work and all of our continued commitment to standing together to safeguard our province."

B.C. COVID-19 Response Update

Cases:

* Total confirmed cases in B.C.: 1,618

* New cases since April 16, 2020: 43

* Hospitalized cases: 119

* Intensive care: 52

* COVID-19 related deaths: 78

* Recovered: 966

* Long-term care and assisted-living homes currently affected: 20

* Acute-care unit outbreaks: 1

Confirmed cases by region:

* Vancouver Coastal Health: 680

* Fraser Health: 661

* Island Health: 94

* Interior Health: 150

* Northern Health: 33

New provincial advice and measures:

* The latest modelling presentation and information is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/COVID19_Update_Modelling-BROADCAST.pdf

* Joint statement on Province of B.C.'s COVID-19 response, latest updates: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0133-000713

* More online options for students to support social, emotional well-being: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0029-000709

* The Province is supporting strata corporations in B.C. to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by allowing them to hold meetings electronically, including their annual and special general meetings, during the current provincial state of emergency: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0051-000710

New federal measures:

* The Government of Canada is taking action to help Canadian businesses and organizations keep their doors open, keep their employees on payroll and recover quickly when Canada bounces back from this crisis: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/17/prime-minister-announces-new-support-protect-canadian-jobs

* Statement from Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, on support to the fish and seafood industry: https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2020/04/statement-from-the-minister-of-fisheries-oceans-and-the-canadian-coast-guard-on-support-to-the-fish-and-seafood-industry.html

* The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1 million in new funding to connect workers with in-demand jobs in the agri-food sector to keep the nation's supply chains strong and store shelves stocked during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2020/04/canada-and-ontario-supporting-agri-food-sector-supply-chain-during-covid-19.html

* Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: new support to protect Canadian jobs: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/04/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-new-support-to-protect-canadian-jobs.html

* Foreign ministers from 13 countries agree on key principles to keep transportation links and supply chains open: https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/04/foreign-ministers-from-13-countries-agree-on-key-principles-to-keep-transportation-links-and-supply-chains-open.html

* New measures introduced for non-medical masks or face coverings in the Canadian transportation system: https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2020/04/new-measures-introduced-for-non-medical-masks-or-face-coverings-in-the-canadian-transportation-system.html