BC Covid update: 15 new cases, three more deaths

There are 15 new cases of the coronavirus in B.C. since Wednesday, along with three more deaths, for a total of 135.

There is one new case in Interior Health, the first in the region since last Friday.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says there are 372 active cases in B.C., and close to 1,900 people have fully recovered.

Of the total cases, 58 individuals are hospitalized, 12 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation,” said Henry.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 878 cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,149 in the Fraser Health region, 126 in the Island Health region, 181 in the Interior Health region and 58 in the Northern Health region.

The three new deaths were all in the Fraser Health region

There have been no new long-term care or assisted-living facility outbreaks. In total, 15 facilities and four acute-care units have active cases. The outbreak has now been declared over at the MSA rehab acute-care unit in the Fraser Health region.

Public health teams are continuing to provide support for community outbreaks in the poultry sector, at the Mission Institution and with those connected to the Kearl Lake plant in Alberta.

“We are transitioning into Phase 2 of BC’s Restart Plan slowly, with careful thought and consideration. While many of us would look to plan our summer activities well in advance, this year, with the risks of COVID-19 around us, we need to take things week by week,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix.

“Less travel right now is what we are asking of everyone. There are so many activities and places for us to safely enjoy – close to home. Rain or shine, we can get outside and enjoy some of the best of B.C. right in our backyards.”

“Top of mind for all of us needs to be: fewer faces, smaller groups, shorter time together and bigger spaces. Always thinking about location, duration and our relations will help to keep all of us safe,” Dr. Henry added.

Dix and Henry encouraged people to use use the May long weekend as an opportunity to put safe social interaction ‘rules’ into action.

“A safe path ahead is based on your personal circumstances and your actions. Let’s keep our curve flat and keep our province strong – together.”