There are now 1,266 cases of COVID-19 in B.C.
This includes two new cases for Northern Health for a total of 23, announced during a daily briefing today (April 6) from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
Dr. Henry adds the new numbers reflect what has transpired since Saturday's update (April 4).
There are four people in the region being treated in hospital for the virus and five known recoveries
Dr. Henry added there was another community death involving a man in his 40s. The B.C. wide total is now 39.
Of those who have tested positive, 783 have fully recovered and are no longer in isolation.
In other authorities, there are 586 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), 450 in Fraser Health, 79 on Vancouver Island and 128 in Interior Health.
There are now 210 cases that are associated with long-term care facilities. Currently, there are 21 active community outbreaks in these facilities.
There are currently 140 people in acute care in hospital, and 72 are in intensive care.
There has been an outbreak at a federal correctional facility in Mission, and an outbreak response has been activated. Two inmates have tested positive.
"My focus this week is to be supporting you all," states Henry, as she encouraged the public to slow transmission.
Henry adds that the number of new cases in B.C. has slowed, but that the public must remain vigilant.
"We must keep that firewall strong," she underscores.
Henry also encourages everyone to be kind to people who have to continue to work during the pandemic, such as those working in grocery stores, pharmacies, and in health care.
She adds that isolation can be challenging and that anyone who has an underlying illness should contact a doctor through virtual care. She mentions Anxiety Canada and Bounceback BC as useful resources for mental health.
Health Minister Adrian Dix states that the province has received a shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE), which has to be inspected before it can be distributed. He says that there are now 620 ventilators distributed at large hospitals. In addition, there are 33 newly-purchased critical ventilators ready to go, plus 55 new ventilators that arrived Monday morning from the National Emergency Supply. The province is in the process of inspecting the 55 new ventilators for usability.
Dix also notes that the Sikh community has launched a new blood drive with the Canadian Blood Services.
"We have to be 100 per cent all in," states Dix gravely. "We simply cannot let up now."
"These are key weeks for us."
Last week, Henry asked everyone to forgo all non-essential travel, particularly to small, remote communities around the province. She added 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 said.
"We need to think about what we can do to support people in practicing their faith without having to have in-person gatherings."
In a previous briefing, Henry noted that people should consult the new online assessment tool if they aren't sure if they require further testing or assessment for COVID-19. She also underscored the importance of physical distancing, hand washing, covering your mouth if you cough, not touching your face and staying home if you are sick.
- with files from Elana Shepert, Vancouver Is Awesome
