There are now 348 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C., after health officials announced 77 new cases Tuesday.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there are 200 cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region, 95 in the Fraser Health region, 30 on Vancouver Island Health and 19 in the Interior Health region and 4 in Northern Health.
There are currently 22 people in hospital and 10 are in intensive care. Six are now on the recovered list, up from five yesterday.
"We have had a number of health care workers infected with this virus," Henry stated gravely.
"It's been a tremendous challenge for our health care sector."
Henry stated that roughly two dozen health care workers have been infected with COVID-19. However, most of these cases are being managed at home and none of them have had severe illness.
Restaurants have been ordered to move to a take-out only model, which means that customers will not be able to dine in.
Henry also underscored the importance of people practicing safe social distancing. She added that people must call ahead before visiting the hospital, and that as soon as a person with respiratory illness symptoms enters a hosptial they must be given a mask.
Health Minister Adrian Dix notes that in terms of preparedness, B.C. has ensured that its hospitals are ready for a surge of patients.
"To doctors, to nurses, to care aides, to everyone who supports us on the frontline, we are grateful," Dix said.
"You're preforming miracles everyday."
Dix also stated that 17,912 individuals have been tested in B.C. as of March 20.
Earlier this week, Henry noted that people should consult the new online assesment tool if they aren't sure if they require further testing or assessment for COVID-19. She also underscored the importance of physical distancing, hand washing, covering your mouth if you cough, not touching your face and staying home if you are sick.
Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth also declared a provincial state of emergency.
"What today's declaration allows for is a province-wide approach to backup the provincial health emergency declaration that was made yesterday by Dr. Bonnie Henry," said Farnworth.
The announcement comes one day after provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry declared a public health emergency amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are currently 898 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Canada and 12 fatalities.
- With files from the Richmond News.
