43 new COVID cases in B.C. as residents do their part to ‘bend the curve’

Apr 17, 2020 | 4:36 PM

BC has 43 new cases of Covid-19 since Thursday, bringing the total to over 1,618.

There is just one new case in the Interior Health region, and no new deaths.

There are now 63 cases associated with an outbreak at the Mission federal correctional centre, six of whom are in hospital.

A coalition of rights groups in B.C. is calling for the immediate release of as many inmates as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19 after the death of an inmate this week at the Mission Institution.

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs are also calling for an immediate coroner’s inquest into what the groups say was the inmate’s preventable death.

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The case numbers in each health region are: 680 in Vancouver Coastal, 661 in Fraser, 94 in Island Health, 150 in Interior Health and 33 in Northern Health.

There have been no new outbreaks in the last day. In total, 20 long-term care and assisted-living facilities, and one acute-care unit have active outbreaks. Outbreaks have been declared over at five facilities.

To date, 966 people who had tested positive have recovered and no longer require isolation.

Of the total cases, 119 individuals are hospitalized and 52 of those are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

Dr. Bonny Henry, provincial health officer, said the modelling released today showed the resiliency and 100 per cent commitment of everyone in B.C. is having a positive impact.

“We are bending the curve. People in B.C. have listened and done the right thing. We are grateful for what everyone has done.”

Henry added now is not the time to let up.

“We are in the eye of the storm in a Category 5 hurricane. The risk is still very high and there are many unknowns, but we are hopeful that with all of us standing strong, the storm will continue to lessen.

“What happens next is directly tied to your continued efforts. We still have new cases, new outbreaks and tragically, new deaths. We cannot afford a resurgence that will undo all of the effort and sacrifices we have made so far,” said Henry.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says everyone wants opportunities for more social connection, but we’re not there yet.

He said to safely ease restrictions, they must be thoughtful and careful in their approach and find the right balance.

“Our new normal in the months ahead will be a modification of what we are doing now. The physical distancing measures, staying home if you are ill and following good hand hygiene will continue. And, it is vital that we continue to show care and compassion for those around us.

Dix said the standards for essential businesses today will be the template moving forward.

“Clear parameters will be given, and we will connect with individual sectors to determine how best to work within the requirements.”

by Pete McIntyre

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