First COVID-related death in Interior Health

A man in his 60s is the first resident of the Interior Health region to die from the coronavirus.

Provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said the man, who had been in recovery at home, was one of three new deaths since Tuesday in B.C.

The man’s name and hometown are not released by the Health Ministry due to privacy reasons.

The province’s death toll from COVID-19 is now up to 75.

Henry reported 44 new cases in B.C, bringing the total to 1,561.

There has been three new positive test results tied to an outbreak among foreign farm workers at Bylands Nursery in West Kelowna, bringing the number of cases to 26.

Those were three of the five new cases in Interior Health since Tuesday.

A total of 959 people have recovered from the virus, while 131 people are in hospital, 59 in critical or intensive care.

Henry has heard of people being fearful of going to hospitals or seeking treatment with non-Covid concerns during the pandemic.

“It is safe to go to the hospital,” said Henry. And I want to reassure people if you have diagnostic tests booked, it is safe to go for those. it is safe to call 9-1-1. If you need urgent medical care, do not hesitate to call for help.”

B.C. will remain in a state of emergency for at least another two weeks.

Premier John Horgan has extended the declaration until April 28 to deal with the COVID pandemic.

Horgan said we’re starting to see the results of our sacrifice, dedication and hard work, and residents must continue the commitment to keep our communities safe.

“Through this challenging time, British Columbians are leading the way in our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Horgan.