BC ended another good week with low to moderate rising cases as the province looks to ease restrictions most likely in mid May. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, announced 29 new infections, three more deaths for a total of 1,647 cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA – BC ended another good week with low to moderate rising cases as the province looks to ease restrictions most likely in mid May.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, announced 29 new infections, three more deaths for a total of 1,647 cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia.

"Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19: 686 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 680 are in the Fraser Health region, 97 are in the Island Health region, 150 are in the Interior Health region and 34 are in the Northern Health region,” they said

"We are saddened to report three new COVID-19 related deaths in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 81 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones.

"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.

"There are now 70 cases of COVID-19 associated with the Mission Institution federal correctional centre. Fraser Health officials continue to work with Correction Services Canada to manage this outbreak.

"To date, 987 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered and no longer require isolation.

"Of the total COVID-19 cases, 115 individuals are hospitalized and 54 of those are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

"British Columbians have listened to the orders and restrictions. You have shown your compassion and commitment to protecting loved ones, Elders and our health-care workers.

"However, we cannot lose sight of the important fact that we continue to have new cases and tragically, new deaths. The hurricane is still raging, and the risk of a spike in our curve is still very much a concern.

"The easing of restrictions will be gradual and slow because of the nature of the COVID-19 virus and the up-to-two-week delay in the onset of symptoms. This is why we will be watching the curve closely over the coming week to see what the impacts of the recent holiday weekend may be.

"A thoughtful and careful approach will be taken, and only If we continue to see sustained improvement will we be able to introduce modifications. The earliest we would anticipate any changes would be mid-May.

"Right now, we must all continue to hold the line. We must all continue to show kindness and care to those around us and do all we can to continue to flatten our curve."

B.C. COVID-19 Response Update:

Cases:

* Total confirmed cases in B.C.: 1,647

* New cases since April 17, 2020: 29

* Hospitalized cases: 115

* Intensive care: 54

* COVID-19 related deaths: 81

* Recovered: 987

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

* Acute-care unit outbreaks: 1

Confirmed cases by region:

* Vancouver Coastal Health: 686

* Fraser Health: 680

* Island Health: 97

* Interior Health: 150

* Northern Health: 34

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/2020HLTH0020-000716

New federal measures:

* Prime Minister announces support for Indigenous businesses: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/18/prime-minister-announces-support-indigenous-businesses