B.C. now has 2,849 test-positive COVID-19 cases after the latest update from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix this afternoon (June 24).
In a written statement, officials announced 14 new cases have been discovered in the past 24 hours.
In Northern Health, there have been no new cases for a 15th consecutive day, which keeps the total at 65. The last time the authority recorded a case was on June 9.
There have been 963 recorded cases in Vancouver Coastal Health, 1,491 in Fraser Health, 131 in Island Health and 199 in the Interior Health region.
Of the number of provincial cases, there are 162 active, which also includes 14 people being treated in hospital and seven in intensive care. A total of 2,516 people have fully recovered from the virus.
Dr. Henry announced there has been one new death in the Vancouver Coastal Health region which now brings the provincial total to 171.
Henry also announced there have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. In total, there are six long-term care or assisted living facilities and one acute-care facility that have outbreaks.
There have been no new community outbreaks.
-One new death in past day total 171
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) June 24, 2020
-162 active cases
-14vhospitalized in B.C.
-7 in ICU
-2,516 fully recovered#COVIDー19 #COVID19BC #drbonniehenry #BC #virus #update #coronavirus #northernhealth #bcpoli #BCCDC@PGMatters @CDCofBC
“We have worked hard to find the balance in British Columbia: to flatten our curve, keep new cases low and safely increase our social interactions by continuing to follow our core, foundational rules.," the statement reads.
“We are in a unique and unusual time, and until we have an effective treatment or vaccine, COVID-19 will continue to circulate in our communities. We need to keep our actions going to minimize any cases. The things we have been doing will get us through this time and allow us to safely enjoy many activities this summer and through the fall."
Earlier today, Premier John Horgan announced the province will now enter Phase 3 of its restart plan.
“Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of British Columbians, and under the guidance of the provincial health officer, we are now entering Phase 3 of our four-phase restart plan,” Horgan said.
“As we carefully turn up the dial on our activity, we can now look to travel safely around the province. But as we hit the open roads this summer, we must remember we are not leaving COVID-19 behind, and we need to continue to do our part to bend the curve and protect the progress we’ve made.”
Most of the businesses that were listed under Phase 3 of the four-phase plan have now been given the guidance they need to safely reopen.
WorkSafeBC, public health officials and industry representatives have developed guidelines for hotels and resorts, parks, the film industry and select entertainment and movie theatres.
“Like other activities during our COVID-19 pandemic, summer holidays and travel will be different this year,” Horgan added. “We are asking British Columbians to be respectful of the communities you travel to and do your research before you leave. We will help people get the tools and information they need to navigate this new normal safely."
British Columbians who wish to travel within B.C. this summer are advised to plan ahead and be respectful while visiting communities, especially smaller and rural towns.
Dr. Henry released the following guidelines for those travelling to and within the province:
- Pre-trip planning and research on available resources at arriving destination
- Respecting any local travel advisories to isolated and remote communities
- No travelling for anyone who is sick, and if symptoms develop while travelling – self isolate immediately and contact 811 for guidance and testing
- Practising safe physical distancing of two metres at all times
- Spending time in small groups and open spaces
- Practising good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and cleaning
- with files from Elana Shepert, Vancouver Is Awesome
