One year since first COVID-19 case in B.C.: 485 new cases, four deaths

Jan 27, 2021 | 3:34 PM

On the one year anniversary of the first COVID-19 case being confirmed in B.C. (Jan. 27), the province reported 485 new cases, and four more deaths.

Two of the deaths are residents at Noric House long-term care in Vernon, where the death toll is now eight.

Eighty-three of the new cases were in Interior Health, with 115 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 210 in Fraser Health, 45 in Island Health, 32 in Northern Health and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“One year ago today, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in our province. Since that day, the impact has been severe; people have become seriously ill and died, our lives have been disrupted and health-care workers everywhere have faced challenges at a scale never experienced before,” a statement from Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, and Health Minister Adrian Dix, stated.

“In response, people throughout the province have stepped up to put normal routines and activities aside, doing all they can to protect our communities, Elders and loved ones. Thank you.”

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Dix and Henry said while everyone waits to get the COVID vaccine, actions that may seem small can have a big impact to stop the virus in its tracks.

“If you are in the grocery store, follow the pathways and arrows and be sure to give people space at the check-out. If you are going to work or school, remember to wash your hands often throughout the day and wear your mask.”

The health officials said the more people you see and the more places you go, the higher the risk is to you and those around you.

“Which is why gatherings of any size are on pause right now. If you are invited over to spend time with a friend, choose to go outside for a walk instead. And, just as important, if you are thinking about travelling beyond your community for anything other than what is essential for work or medical care, stay home.”

There are 4,299 active cases of COVID-19 in B.C., with 303 of those in hospital, 74 in critical or intensive care.

Currently, 6,520 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and a further 58,778 people who tested positive are considered recovered.

To date, 124,365 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in B.C., 4,160 of which are second doses. Immunization data is available on the COVID-19 dashboard at: www.bccdc.ca

The four new deaths raise the total to 1,172 in British Columbia.

There is one new health-care facility outbreak at Glenwood Seniors Community and the outbreak at Villa Cathay is now over.

There is also an outbreak at the Fraser Regional Correctional Centre.

Update on outbreaks in Interior Health:

· Royal Inland Hospital has 66 cases: 23 patients and 43 staff, with one death connected to this outbreak.

· Cariboo Memorial Hospital has 14 staff cases.

· Creekside Landing long-term care in Vernon has 37 cases: 24 residents and 13 staff, with one death connected to this outbreak.

· Noric House long-term care in Vernon has 63 cases: 37 residents and 26 staff, with eight deaths connected to this outbreak.

· Heritage Square long-term care in Vernon has 68 cases: 47 residents and 21 staff, with eight deaths connected to this outbreak.

· Heritage Retirement Residence in West Kelowna has 46 cases: 41 residents and five staff, with three deaths connected to this outbreak.

· Brocklehurst Gemstone long-term care in Kamloops has 23 cases: 16 residents and seven staff, with two deaths connected to this outbreak.

· Sunnybank long-term care in Oliver has 37 cases: 27 residents and 10 staff, with five deaths connected to this outbreak.