There are now 48,609 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C. after health officials announced 582 new cases Thursday.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there have been 107 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 326 in the Fraser Health region, 10 in the Island Health region, 71 in the Interior Health region, 68 in the Northern Health region and no new cases from people who reside outside of Canada.
Since the start of immunizations, 8,178 people have received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in B.C.
"In addition to our health-care workers, immunization of residents in long-term care is now also underway. Given seniors and Elders have been most severely impacted by this virus, this is welcome news for all of us," said Henry.
We have had no new health-care facility outbreaks, and the outbreak at Belvedere Care Centre is over.
There have been no new community outbreaks.
There have been 12 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 808 deaths in British Columbia.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 341 individuals are hospitalized, 78 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation. Currently, 9,732 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases.
There are 8,865 active cases of COVID-19 in B.C. and 37,784 people who tested positive have recovered.
Public alerts and notifications are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website and on all health authorities’ websites.
A note on Christmas
“This Christmas and over the holiday weekend is the time to try the many new virtual activities that have been arranged this year – whether a church service, holiday choral concert or theatre performance," said Henry.
“Take a walk with those in your household and spread some cheer with neighbourhood carolling, or drop off a warm meal or holiday treats to someone who may be away from their family this year.
“We can all safely connect with loved ones near and far – those in our community, in different parts of the province and around the world with the many tools available to us.
“By staying small and staying apart this holiday season, we’re protecting the people we care about most and ensuring the coming weeks and months are better, brighter and safer for everyone. Together, let’s make this holiday season a safe season for all of us.”
