By Pete McIntyre

B.C. reports 11 more COVID-19 deaths and 624 new cases

Dec 18, 2020 | 4:29 PM

New cases and deaths were down in Friday’s B.C. COVID-19 update.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, announced 624 new cases (down from 673 on Thursday) for a total of 45,400.

As for the health regions, there are 60 new cases in Interior Health (down 6 from Thursday), 106 in Vancouver Coastal, 406 in Fraser Health, five in Island Health, 47 in Northern Health and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

There have been 11 new COVID-19 related deaths( down from 21 last two days), for a total of 724 in B.C.

There are 9,978 active cases in the province, with 356 people in hospital and 92 in critical or intensive care.

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Currently, 10,211 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and a further 33,589 people who tested positive have recovered.

There are no new health-care facility outbreaks and one new community outbreak at Rossdown Natural Foods.

The cluster at Big White Resort near Kelowna added 16 cases for a total of 76.

Henry and Dix said with the holiday season here, people are looking to find creative and safe ways to connect with our families, friends and loved ones.

“For many, that means getting together virtually over a meal, watching holiday movie favourites or discovering new ways to connect safely from afar, such as a holiday bake off over video conference or hosting an online games night or scavenger hunt with friends.

Henry added with today being the final day of school ahead of the holiday break for students, there are many ways for young people to enjoy the next couple weeks.

“Take a night-time walk in your neighbourhood to look at local light displays. Consider dropping off baked goods or homemade gifts or cards to neighbours or those in long-term care to brighten someone else’s day,” said Henry.

For details on new restrictions, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

For updated PHO orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

by Pete McIntyre

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