Joint statement on Province of B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates
The Voice of Canada News:
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia:
“We are announcing 27 new cases for a total of 1,517 cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia.
“Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19: 658 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 601 are in the Fraser Health region, 89 are in the Island Health region, 141 are in the Interior Health region and 28 are in the Northern Health region.
“We are saddened to report three new COVID-19 related deaths, two in the Vancouver Coastal health region and one in the Fraser health region, for a total of 72 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones.
“There has been one new long-term care outbreak at the South Granville Park Lodge in the Vancouver Coastal Health region. The 21 affected long-term care and assisted-living facilities have a total of 266 active cases of COVID-19.
“Federal officials have confirmed 41 inmate cases of COVID-19 at the medium security Mission Institution (MI) federal correctional centre, with seven of those people receiving care in hospital.
“Fraser Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control continue to provide ongoing support for the MI outbreak. We have also deployed our Mobile Medical Unit from the Vancouver Convention Centre to Abbotsford Regional Hospital to provide additional patient capacity and assistance to Correctional Service Canada.
“To date, 942 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered and no longer require isolation.
“Of the total COVID-19 cases, 134 individuals are currently hospitalized, 58 of those are in intensive care, and the remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.
“B.C.’s COVID-19 response is about ensuring our firewall is strong, putting out any hot spots that emerge and doing all we can to support British Columbians during this pandemic.
“Four years ago, another public health emergency, B.C.’s overdose crisis, was declared. While progress has been made, the suffering and loss continue. This has been further compounded by COVID-19.
“We are not slowing down or taking our focus off the overdose challenge, but adapting and continuously adding to our response efforts.
“Physical distancing does not mean being alone or without help. From the outset, we have said it is critically important to ensure there are also strong social connections in place. The emergency housing options that have been activated ensure people experiencing homelessness can safely self-isolate with care and support.
“We want all people who are living with addiction and other major health issues to know that you are not forgotten but are top-of-mind. There is help for those who need it.
“There have been incredible sacrifices made and we want you to know that what you are doing today matters. Your individual efforts make a difference in our shared well-being.
“To the many public servants who have stepped up to assist returning travellers at our land and air borders; to our health-care workers who are caring for us; to our teachers and educational assistants working in new ways to educate our children; to all British Columbians; and to the many other essential service workers who are helping British Columbians get through this, day by day, thank you for doing your part.”
