Joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates
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. Read the full statement here.
– 21 new cases, total of 2,428 cases in British Columbia
– 355 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 1,932 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered. Of the total COVID-19 cases, 49 individuals are hospitalized, 11 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.
– Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been
- 878 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region,
- 1,184 in the Fraser Health region,
- 126 in the Island Health region,
- 181 in the Interior Health region and
- 59 in the Northern Health region.
– 1 new COVID-19 related death in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, for a total of 141 deaths in British Columbia.
– To be effective in Phase 2 of our B.C. Restart Plan, we have to move carefully. We know that in the early stages of illness, the symptoms of COVID-19 are often mild and hard to recognize. This means we must stay alert and vigilant.
– Let’s use this May long weekend to take a pause, stay close to home and think through how all of us will put B.C.’s safe social interaction ‘rules’ into action for ourselves, our families and our businesses.
– Starting on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, businesses can begin the process of safely reopening, and the provincial health officer orders have been amended accordingly.
– WorkSafeBC public health guidance is now available for several industry sectors. The guidance balances the need to be practical, sensible and safe when developing plans to reopen.
– The same ‘rules’ for social interactions apply to our businesses: fewer faces, smaller groups, shorter time together and bigger spaces.
– No matter what your business, or where you may be operating, it is very important to remember that the most effective way to reduce the potential for transmission of COVID-19 is through safe physical distancing and never allowing anyone with any symptoms to come into your place of business – whether it is you, your employees or your customers.
– Business owners may have questions as they adapt their businesses and develop COVID-19 safety plans. We’re here to support you. The WorksafeBC prevention information hotline (1 888 621-7233) is your first stop. Each health authority also has environmental health officers who can guide you along the way.
– We understand the importance of getting our B.C. businesses open once again, and an incredible amount of effort has been put into finding the best path forward.
– As we cautiously progress through our Restart plan, know that we are in this together. Step by step, let’s continue to do this safely, with kindness and compassion.