B.C. has 53 new cases and a total of 1,174 after an update from Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix this afternoon (April 3).
Northern Health has a total of 21 cases, with four new recorded in the past 24 hours.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reports that there are 541 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), 412 in Fraser Health, 74 on Vancouver Island and126 in Interior Health.
There has been one more community outbreak in a long-term care facility, bringing the total number to 22.
There are currently 146 people in acute care in hospital, and 64 are in intensive care.
Four more deaths have been recorded with the provincial total now at 35.
"This is a transitional period in your life," Henry said as she addressed the province's youth.
She added the community needs to find new ways to support young people in the province. She says many people have made extraordinary sacrifices during this difficult time.
Henry also emphasized the importance of self-isolating after returning from travel. She notes that neighbours and friends can drop off groceries, share books and games, and find ways to support returning travellers.
In yesterday's briefing, Henry asked everyone to forgo all non-essential travel, particularly to small, remote communities around the province. She adds that these communities may be overwhelmed and not have the resources to support people.
"In addition, we know that there's a very important time coming up for many people of different faiths," Henry says.
"We need to think about what we can do to support people in practicing their faith without having to have in-person gatherings."
Earlier this week, Henry noted that there may also be a "second wave in the fall" and that current conditions will likely persist until there is a vaccine available. She remarks that infectious diseases come in waves and that it is vital that the distancing measures the province has enacted are followed.
- with files from Elana Shepert, Vancouver Is Awesome
