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BC COVID-19 UPDATE WEDNESDAY: 53 New Cases And No Deaths Continues Slow And Steady BC Climb

April 1, 2020

"Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19: 497 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 367 are in the Fraser Health region, 72 are in the Island Health region, 114 are in the Interior Health region and 16 are in the Northern Health region,” they said.

VICTORIA – Fifty-three new cases of COVID-19 cases continue the slow and steady climb of the virus in BC.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer announced Wednesday that BC’s total count of the infecteds had climbed to 1,066.

"In the last 24 hours, we must also report one death in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 25 COVID-19 related deaths in British Columbia. Our condolences to everyone who has lost loved ones.

"We continue to see new cases in long-term care and assisted-living facilities. There are now COVID-19 cases in 21 facilities in B.C., all in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions. Public health officials are providing support to implement outbreak protocols at all sites.

"To date, 606 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered and no longer have isolation requirements.

"Of the total COVID-19 cases, 142 individuals are currently hospitalized, 67 of those are in intensive care and the remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

"This is an incredibly challenging time for all of us. Along with the serious health risks of COVID-19, many are also facing financial hardship and mental health struggles.

"We know, without a doubt, that with all of us working together, we will get through this. Our goal is to have the restrictions and orders in place for as short a time as possible.

"Maintaining strong social connections - at a distance - is one of the best ways that we can take care of ourselves and show support for each other.

"The 7 p.m. cheer is heard across our province each evening. We have seen flowers and groceries on door steps, young children on virtual playdates, teens hosting gaming marathons and countless other examples of community connection.

"We have also received hundreds of offers of support from those with supplies of personal protection equipment and medical supplies.

"A new joint government-business COVID-19 Supply Hub launched today to fast-track sourcing and delivery of supplies to our front-line health workers.

"Global Affairs Canada has registered tens of thousands of Canadian passport holders looking to come home from countries heavily impacted by COVID-19, some starting later this week.

"All travellers arriving in British Columbia must immediately comply with federal quarantine orders. There must be no ambiguity from the federal government. They must make the order clear and support its enforcement with an increased presence at every port of entry to our country.

"All of us have to step up our game now."

B.C. COVID-19 Response Update

Cases:

* Total confirmed cases in B.C.: 1,066

* New cases since March 31, 2020: 53

* Hospitalized cases: 142

* Intensive care: 67

* COVID-19 related deaths: 25

* Recovered: 606

Confirmed cases by region:

* Vancouver Coastal Health: 497

* Fraser Health: 367

* Island Health: 72

* Interior Health: 114

* Northern Health: 16

New Provincial advice and measures:

* NEW: The provincial health officer has issued new guidelines to support compliance with orders on business closures and gatherings, under the Public Health Act: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0018-000617

* NEW: Province supporting people with relief on power bills during COVID-19: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0018-000611

* NEW: COVID-19 Supply Hub connects needed medical supplies to health workers: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0023-000609

* NEW: Zoom collaboration tool now available for K-12 continuous learning: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0027-000608

* NEW: The Province will provide provincial, disability and multi-sport organizations with the ability to access $5 million. This represents 50% of its annual 2020-21 provincial funding allocation, to provide these organizations with access to cashflow sooner: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020TAC0016-000603

* NEW: Province extends state of emergency to support COVID-19 response: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0018-000607

* NEW: Compliance and enforcement guidance about public health orders with respect to physical distancing: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/brief_compliance_and_enforcement_march_31_2020.pdf

* A full list of orders and letters issued by the provincial health officer is available: www.Gov.bc.ca/phoguidance (http://www.gov.bc.ca/phoguidance)

* 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