There are now 4,594 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C. after health officials announced 236 new cases Monday.
Monday's figures represent three reporting periods. From Friday to Saturday there were 100 new cases, from Saturday to Sunday 88 new cases, and Sunday to Monday 48 new cases.
Deputy provincial health officer Dr. Reka Gustafason reported that there are 1419 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), 2,425 in Fraser Health, 154 on Vancouver Island, 405 in Interior Health and 117 in Northern Health.
Additionally, there have been 74 cases of COVID-19 in B.C. of people who reside outside of Canada.
There have been two new health-care facility outbreaks in B.C.; one at the Czorny Alzheimer Centre in Surrey, and one at Arbutus Care Centre in Vancouver. In total, nine long-term care or assisted-living facilities and one acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.
As of today, the outbreak at the Joseph and Rosalie Segal Family Health Centre has been declared over.
There are no new community outbreaks. However, there continue to be community exposure events, and on flights into and out of British Columbia. Additionally, the Northern Health Authority has issued a public exposure warning for religious event held in Alberta. The outbreak, with 12 cases so far, is linked to the "It Is Time" gathering held between July 30 and Aug. 2 in Deadwood, Alberta. Anyone who attended this event is asked to monitor themselves, self-isolate and seek testing if any COVID-19 symptoms develop.
There have been two new COVID-19 related deaths, both in Fraser Health, for a total of 198 deaths in British Columbia.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, four individuals are hospitalized, three of whom are in critical care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.
There are 743 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 3,653 people who tested positive for COVID-19 are considered fully recovered.
Gustafson noted that while the majority of the new cases are those of young people, we do continue to see cases among the province's most vulnerable residents, particularly seniors and those in care facilities.
Additionally, Gustafson reminded people to be mindful to stay home when they are ill, and to be "COVID heroes" who opt to stay home and avoid large gatherings.
Health Minister Adrian Dix emphasized that COVID-19 is the "new normal," and that despite a shared fatigue surrounding the pandemic, we can expect to be dealing with the virus in B.C. into 2021 and even 2022.
Further, Dix noted that surveillance across the province was underway and ongoing all weekend to identify facilities and others disregarding public health orders. Over 120 places have been "shut down" due to non-compliance in B.C., including many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Dix added, however, that indoor private gatherings remain one of the biggest threats to public health in the province.
Dix did, however, note that most venues have been compliant, and that most British Columbians are doing their part to follow public health guidelines.
With files from Elana Shepert
