Monday brought Doctor Bonnie Henry and British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix back to the podium a little earlier than their usual late afternoon update period, with the two top officials on the COVID 19 file providing for an extensive overview of the weekend statistical review.
Along with the statistical notes from Saturday and Sunday, they offered up an overview and modelling for the path of COVID response that the province has been on for the last three months.
As for the weekend review, Doctor Henry observed the following:
“Today, we are providing case updates for two 24-hour reporting periods: May 2 to May 3, and May 3 through to midday today.
In the first reporting period through May 3, we had 34 new cases, for a total of 2,205 cases in British Columbia.
In the last 24 hours, we have had a further 19 new cases, for a total of 2,224 cases in British Columbia.
This represents 53 new cases since we reported on Saturday."
When it comes to the breakdown by Health Authority, 845 cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,027 are in the Fraser Health region, 124 are in the Vancouver Island Health region, 177 are in the Interior Health region and 51 are in the Northern Health region, that an increase of two from the last report of Saturday.
Both officials offered their condolences to British Columbia families and friends of three more British Columbians who passed away over the weekend from the COVID-19 virus.
“We are saddened to report three new COVID-19 related deaths, two in the Fraser Health region and one in Vancouver Coastal Health region, for a total of 117 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones."
The province continues to monitor outbreaks at food processing facilities in BC, as well as the impact of an outbreak at the Mission Correctional Facility as well as reported cases from industrial work camps in Alberta.
To date, 1,417 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 77 individuals are hospitalized, and 20 of those are in intensive care.
The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.
Doctor Henry and Health Minister Dix also delivered a modelling presentation today, which looked back at how the challenges of COVID-19 have been addressed since January, as well as the path moving forward.
“As we look at the epidemiology of COVID-19 over the past four months, we can see how the virus has affected people in British Columbia. What we know is that every region of the province has been impacted. We also know that severe illness is most prevalent with our seniors and Elders, men over 50 and those with chronic underlying health conditions.
Our health system transformed in a matter of weeks to prepare and respond to COVID-19 and remains ready for all critical care patients, including those with COVID-19. At the same time, we have increased our provincial critical care and portable ventilators to sustain an enhanced level of readiness.
Our dynamic modelling shows us that we have been able to put the brakes on COVID-19, but we haven't stopped the car. It also highlights that we must maintain safe physical distancing to keep our curve flat.
The toll of COVID-19 has been felt by all of us. This week, as Canadian Mental Health Week, is a reminder that we must also continue be vigilant about our mental health.
Many are concerned that we are not moving quickly enough to reopen our province, and just as many are fearful that moving too quickly will set us back to untenable levels. It is a careful balance and one that we are working hard to achieve. And, it will require every one of us to fully participate to make our ‘new normal’ a success.
Until we have a vaccine available for everybody, COVID-19 is going to be in B.C. This means our ‘new normal’ must continue to protect our health and well-being, protect our health-care system, create opportunities for increased social interaction and allow for the rebuilding of our economy with the cautious easing of restrictions.
Our ‘new normal’ is based on principles that apply to every person and every situation. These principles are the foundation of how we need to move forward with our B.C. plan and will remain in place in the weeks and months ahead."
Dr. Henry noted how the province is nearing the end of the beginning and how the next phase of our progress moves forward depends on the commitment of British Columbia to remain committed to protecting each other.
“We are nearing the end of our beginning. We have learned, we have prepared and we have done our best to break the chain of transmission. We are now entering a new phase where we must be equally vigilant and equally committed to protecting our loved ones, our seniors and Elders, our health-care workers and our communities.
It is in our hands, as long as we do not forget to wash them, to make this summer the B.C. summer of renewal.”
Following their presentation, Premier John Horgan noted through his social media streams that he will outline how the British Columbia plans to move forward later this week.
You can review more from today's presentation from Dr. Henry and Mr. Dix here.
The BC Centre for Disease control has some valuable Coronavirus notes related to COVID-19 you can explore that information here.
Federal Government site
British Columbia Government site
The World Health Organization website also offers up the latest advisories on the global situation.
More from Northern Health can be reviewed here
You can review our archive of past statements and local information here.
Local governments and organizations have also provided for increased awareness of COVID-19 issues, the string of statements that came quickly at the end of the week can be reviewed here.
For notes from across Canada and British Columbia we have been archiving the latest items through our political portal Darcy McGee
Ottawa Observations
Victoria Viewpoints
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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