There are now 1517 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C., after health officials announced 27 new cases Tuesday.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there are 658 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), 601 in Fraser Health, 89 on Vancouver Island, 141 in Interior Health and 28 in Northern Health.
There is one new case associated with a new long-term care facilities. Currently, there are 28 active outbreaks in facilities in the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions. However, there are now 289 people who have tested positive in these facilities.
There has been three new cases related to an outbreak in a nursery in the interior which involves temporary foreign workers.
There is still only one case at the Okanagan correctional facility. The outbreak remains under observation.
The outbreak at the Mission federal correctional institute in the Fraser Valley continues to grow. Now, the institute has 41 people who have tested positive, and 7 are now in hospital. Henry notes that health authorities have made an effort to 'beef up' their support for these patients with a dedicated unit in Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
There are currently 134 people in acute care in hospital, and 58 are in intensive care.
There have been three new deaths. This brings the provincial total of fatalities to 72. All three new deaths are related to long-term care facilites.
942 people have fully recovered and are no longer in isolation.
Henry notes that one of the key things that the Province has implemented is the requirement for improved self-isolation plans for all returning travellers. She notes that the initiative is to provide the neccessary supports that enable individuals to self-isolate.
Henry also addressed people who are experiencing substance abuse issues in B.C., stating: "You are not alone."
"COVID-19 is not our only public health emergency in B.C. right now," explains Henry. "Four years ago today we declared a public health emergency because of the overdose crisis - that it was affecting our communites again around this province, that it was affecting our families, our brothers, our sisters, our uncles, our friends."
"And this crisis also continues."
Henry added that the Province will not allow the pandemic to slow down the response to the overdose crisis. In addition, she states that people who are experiencing homelessness and mental health issues will have access to housing options in the coming days. She also highlighted that people in vulnerable communities may even have difficultities accessing food at this time.
"We want all of those who are living with substance use and other major health issues to know that you are not forgotten."
Henry also encourages everyone to be kind to people who have to continue to work during the pandemic, such as those working in grocery stores, pharmacies, and in health care. She adds that isolation can be challenging, and that anyone who has an underlying illness should contact a doctor through virtual care. She mentions Anxiety Canada and Bounceback BC as useful resources for mental health.
In a previous briefing, Henry noted that people should consult the new online assessment 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.
