There are now 38,718 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C. after health officials announced 566 new cases Tuesday.
Two of the new cases were epi-linked.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there have been 136 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 297 in the Fraser Health region, 11 in the Island Health region, 74 in the Interior Health region, 48 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.
There have been no health-care facility outbreaks.
There have been no new community outbreaks.
There have been 16 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 543 deaths in British Columbia.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 352 individuals are hospitalized, 74 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.
There are 9,315 active cases of COVID-19 in B.C.
Public alerts and notifications are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website and on all health authorities’ websites.
“While we have seen the start of encouraging trends in our COVID-19 curve, the number of new cases and people with serious illness requiring care in hospital remains high. This is why the public health orders and restrictions remain in place and why we must continue to stay local and keep to our households through the holiday season," said Henry.
“Let’s make the coming weeks our ‘winter break’ by breaking the chain of transmission in our province. We can still be festive and enjoy the season, but let’s ensure it is only with our immediate household or, if you live on your own, with one or two close contacts.
“Take in the holiday lights in your neighbourhood, have a virtual visit with friends or support a ‘drive in and drop off’ charitable toy drive.
“Let’s work together to protect our communities and those who are most vulnerable and make it a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone.”
Dr. Bonnie Henry extends B.C.-wide COVID-19 restrictions until Jan. 8
"We are not yet through this storm. And we cannot let up now."
Health officials announced that the province-wide COVID-19 restrictions will be extended until Jan. 8, 2021. However, one exception is for drive-in and drop-off events, where people do not get out of their cars. In these cases, a maximum of 50 cars is permitted.
The restrictions on group fitness, adult team sports, and all events and social gatherings are suspended to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions and travel.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry made the announcement Monday during the daily COVID-19 press briefing.
Read more here.
