40 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the province today (Thursday), bringing BC’s total to 271.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also announced one new death, confirmed to be a resident of the Lynn Valley Care Home in Vancouver.
Seven of the eight total deaths reported have been Lynn Valley residents, the site of one of the first outbreaks in BC.
Northern Health’s total case count remains at four, following a pair of cases confirmed Sunday.
According to Dr. Henry, five people have recovered from the illness so far, with ‘many’ others with no symptoms awaiting the official all clear.
17 people are currently hospitalized, including the newest case from the Haro Care Centre, and nine are in intensive care, with the remainder of the active cases recovering at home.
Dr. Henry was stern about maintaining social distancing, calling it “not optional” and the best way to help keep as many people safe as possible during the pandemic.
“We know that social distancing is an important line of defense for all us – staying a fingertip-to-fingertip distance away from each other, but no touching. Equally important is maintaining our connections with friends, family, and colleagues while many of us remain at home,” she said.
She also mentioned the creative ways British Columbians are connecting with each other.
“Virtual coffee dates on your phone or laptop, takeout windows at restaurants, spending time outside with our families, or even dropping off homemade baking or books for those self-isolating,” said Henry.
“British Columbians are taking the challenge to heart.”
Henry additionally stressed the importance of healthy residents donating blood.
Health Minister Adrian Dix noted that the official number of Covid-19 tests completed would be released tomorrow (Friday.)
Dix added that the online self-assessment tool has now been accessed over 1.15 million times.
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