Joint Statement: Dr. Bonnie Henry and Adrian Dix
New Cases (December 4-7, 2020): 2,020 (10 epi-linked cases)
- December 4-5, 2020: 647
- December 5-6, 2020: 726
- December 6-7, 2020: 647
Geographical breakdown of new cases:
- Vancouver Coastal Health Region: 304
- Fraser Health Region: 1,362
- Island Health Region: 45
- Interior Health Region: 203
- Northern Health Region: 106
- People who reside outside of Canada: 0
Active cases within B.C.: 9,380
- Hospitilizations: 359 (77 in intensive care)
People under active public health monitoring: 10,747
Recoveries: 27,287
Deaths: 527
New health-care facility outbreaks:
- Bradley Centre
- Chilliwack Lifestyles
- Crofton Manor
- Lakeshore Care Centre
- McKinney Place
- Village by the Station
Community Outbreak:
- A mink farm in the Fraser Health Region
“As we all do our part now with COVID-19, we can be encouraged to know that the start of vaccine availability is days away. This is a welcome milestone that we can all celebrate.
“The orders that we have had in place have started to have an impact on the transmission of the virus in British Columbia. However, transmission remains high and we need to continue our efforts to reduce social interactions and stop the spread. The provincial health officer’s orders restricting all gatherings and events have today been extended through to Jan. 8, 2021, at midnight. This includes gatherings in people’s homes and in public venues.
“The same requirements and exemptions from the published orders continue to apply, with one new change: drive-through and drive-in to drop off people and leave events, as well as drive-in and stay in your car events to a maximum of 50 cars are now allowed. Read the orders here.
“At this time, we are also strongly recommending against any travel other than what is essential for work or medical care.
“The order extension and travel requirement are necessary steps to help us get through the remainder of the year and protect those who are most vulnerable.
“We understand that, for many of us, this will mean celebrating the important December holidays in a different, smaller way than what we are used to. We can still be festive, but let’s ensure it is only with our immediate household.
“As hard as this may be, let’s remember that the sacrifices we make now will protect our loved ones and countless others throughout our province. Your efforts and sacrifices are making a difference.
“Staying small and staying local over the holidays is what we all need to do. It will help to ease the pressure going into the year ahead and will also help to protect our province until vaccines are widely available.”