There are now 1121 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C., after health officials announced 55 new cases Thursday.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there are 525 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), 386 in Fraser Health, 72 on Vancouver Island, 121 in Interior Health and 17 in Northern Health.
There are currently 149 people in acute care in hospital, and 68 are in intensive care.
There is an additional community outbreak related to an inmate at a correctional facility in the B.C. interior. Henry adds that a number of measures have been put into place to prevent outbreaks in correctional facilites, and that Interior Health has been actively managing the outbreak.
Henry notes that 21 long-term care facilities continue to have a community outbreak.
"Sadly, we have had an additional six deaths over the past 24 hours," adds Henry, which brings the total number of fatalities in B.C. to 31.
Three of the deaths are located in Vancouver Coastal Health, two are in Fraser Health and two are located on Vancouver Island.
641 people have fully recovered.
"We now have over a million cases worldwide," states Henry gravely. "We know that's there's a dramatic outbreak in the United States."
"The number of cases in B.C. is also growing."
Henry underscores, however, that, "we are getting through this, and will get through this together." However, she adds that we must continue to do everything we can to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
In regard to local travel, Henry asks everyone to forgo all non-essential travel, particularly to small, remote communities around the province. She adds that these communites may be overwhelmed and not have the resources to support people.
"In addition, we know that there's a very important time coming up for many people of different faiths," Henry says.
"We need to think about what we can do to support people in practicing their faith without having to have in-person gatherings."
Health Minister reiterates that this is, "not the time to travel for tourism purposes. In British Columbia or anywhere else."
Earlier this week, Henry noted that there may also be a "second wave in the fall" and that current conditions will likely persist until there is a vaccine available. She remarks that infectious diseases come in waves, and that it is vital that the distancing measures the province has enacted are followed.
Dix says there's little to no chance that things will return to normal by May.
"We are in this for a long time,' he remarks.
Henry adds, however, that she hasn't given up hope that there could be a "reprieve" during the summer, similar to influenza season.
During last week's briefing, Henry stated that the province is moving the focus on testing to identifying cases where the source is unknown, such as in community spread. For anyone who comes into the country and falls ill, Henry recommends that they stay home rather than risk infecting someone else. Of course, if their symptoms are severe they should still seek medical attention.
"We know the source of infection for anyone coming from outside of Canada," notes Henry. "We assume they have the virus and ask them to self-isolate for 14 days."
"We don't need them to come in for testing."
Henry also reinforced the importance of social distancing while still remaining relationships via technology.
Last 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.
