Will BC be out of the COVID-19 hell hole sooner than everywhere else. The moderate rise of mew cases is a good sign that we could get back to normal sooner than later but the long term situation still looks tenable.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA – Will BC be out of the COVID-19 hell hole sooner than everywhere else. The moderate rise of mew cases is a good sign that we could get back to normal sooner than later but the long term situation still looks tenable.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, announced 25 new infections on Tuesday with the total now at 1291 cases.

"Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19: 603 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 458 are in the Fraser Health region, 79 are in the Island Health region, 128 are in the Interior Health region and 23 are in the Northern Health region,” they said.

"We are saddened to report a further four COVID-19 related deaths in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser health regions for a total of 43 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones.

"There have been no new long-term care facility outbreaks in the last day. Vancouver Coastal and Fraser health teams continue to provide support to the affected long-term care and assisted-living facilities, which have a combined 213 cases of COVID-19.

"To date, 805 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered and no longer require isolation.

"Of the total COVID-19 cases, 138 individuals are hospitalized, and 66 of those are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

"Starting tomorrow and over the coming days, British Columbians of many faiths, along with millions around the world, will be celebrating major religious holidays in ways that many have never experienced before.

"B.C.'s faith leaders have taken the challenge of maintaining physical distance to heart and are using these holidays as an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to showing kindness and care for our communities.

"We call on faith leaders, followers and congregations to pay special attention to our Elders and seniors to ensure we protect them by connecting safely from a distance.

"We know many people must manage chronic diseases and other health issues. We encourage people to continue to connect with their primary care provider or family physician for ongoing care. Phone and virtual resources are available for everyone.

"This long weekend, we need to stay home, to stay in our communities and to stay at a safe physical distance from others when outside. Avoiding unnecessary travel, particularly to smaller communities, where they may be unable to support you if you get sick and where they have fewer resources, is an important way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.

"Let's continue to stand united, to stay strong and do all we can to flatten the curve."

B.C. COVID-19 Response Update:

Cases:

* Total confirmed cases in B.C.: 1,291

* New cases since April 6, 2020: 25

* Hospitalized cases: 138

* Intensive care: 66

* COVID-19 related deaths: 43

* Recovered: 805

* Long-term care and assisted living homes currently affected: 21

Confirmed cases by region:

* Vancouver Coastal Health: 603

* Fraser Health: 458

* Island Health: 79

* Interior Health: 128

* Northern Health: 23

New provincial advice and measures:

* NEW: To support vulnerable British Columbians who need a place to self-isolate and to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Province is partnering with local governments, non-profits and the hotel industry: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0019-000644

* NEW: Recommendations for all farms to meet orders, notices and guidance issued by the provincial health officer and additional mandatory requirements for farms employing temporary foreign workers and domestic workers: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-guidance-farms-farm-workers.pdf

* Office of the Provincial Health Officer COVID-19 Ethical Decision-Making Framework: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/ethics_framework_for_covid_march_28_2020.pdf

* Latest COVID-19 updates and statements: https://news.gov.bc.ca/Search?q=COVID-19

* Critical care and acute care hospitalization modelling information: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/COVID19_Technical_Briefing_Condensed.pdf

New travel/federal measures:

* NEW: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces production of more medical supplies and equipment in Canada: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/07/prime-minister-announces-production-more-medical-supplies-and

* NEW: Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health Communication: Use of Non-Medical Masks (or Facial Coverings) by the Public: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2020/04/ccmoh-communication-use-of-non-medical-masks-or-facial-coverings-by-the-public.html

* NEW: Government of Canada is investing $3 million in several organizations through the Digital Citizen Initiative's Digital Citizen Contribution Program. Funding will help combat false and misleading COVID-19 information, as well as the racism and stigmatization that are often the result: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2020/04/supporting-canadians-to-think-critically-about-online-health-information.html

  • For Government of Canada COVID-19 travel advice: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html