B.C. saw 21 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, but none in northern B.C.
A joint statement issued on Thursday by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix said the total number of cases in the province since the start of the pandemic increased to 3,170, while the number in the north remained at 65. The last new case in the Northern Health region was reported on June 8.
"There are 192 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,789 people who tested positive have recovered," the joint statement said. "Of the total COVID-19 cases, 15 individuals are hospitalized, three of whom are in intensive care. There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 189 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Provincial health officials are monitoring two outbreaks in long-term care facilities, one outbreak at an acute care facility and one community outbreak.
"Yesterday, a number of scientists from the BC Centre for Disease Control and University of British Columbia, with support from LifeLabs and Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, released a study outlining the results of initial serology testing within our province. This was the first report of its kind released in Canada," the joint statement said.
That study showed B.C. has some of the lowest infection rates in North America, and has been effective in flattening the rate of infections, the statement said.
"However, there is still community transmission as evidenced by the rate of infections in the samples," the joint statement said. "The study also shows us that our province does not have sufficient immunity to prevent a second wave. That is why continuing with the measures we have in place is vital to keeping us all safe."
British Columbians need to remain vigilant about following public health orders to prevent a potential surge in cases.
"Using our layers of protection and following our foundational rules for safe social interactions is our path forward," the joint statement said. "Having healthy communities requires us to keep COVID-19 low and slow. It also requires us to show kindness and compassion to our neighbours, our friends and our loved ones; to care and support each other through both our public health emergencies."
