Saturday, June 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

British Columbia records 18 new cases of COVID-19, three new deaths

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 May, 2020 12:38 AM
  • British Columbia records 18 new cases of COVID-19, three new deaths

British Columbia recorded 18 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, bringing the province's total number of active cases to 310.

Health officials say in a statement that the new figures push the number of cases identified in the province to 2,507.

Among those, 2,042 have now recovered, or about four out of every five people.

Those with active cases of the virus are recovering at home in self-isolation, while 41 are hospitalized including eight in intensive care.

However, the death toll continues to rise and three more people have succumbed to the illness for a total of 155.

An outbreak at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver that has been ongoing for a month has been declared over and no new health-care outbreaks have been identified.

British Columbia recently entered a new phase of its pandemic response with several businesses resuming or preparing to restart operations.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry say this phase is about moving slowly, with patience and care.

"We are finding our new balance between protecting our health and reopening many of the businesses and activities that are important to all of us," Dix and Henry say in the joint statement.

"Phase 2 of B.C.'s restart plan is about pausing before moving forward; being thoughtful and cautious to keep everyone safe, while COVID-19 remains in our communities."

Mass gatherings remain restricted to no more than 50 people and the order has been amended to apply to drive-in events.

No more than 50 vehicles are allowed at a drive-in and there's also a restriction on the sale of refreshments.

Anyone attending such events must stay in their cars unless they have to go to the washroom, which must be serviced with running water for proper hand hygiene, the statement says.

In a separate statement, Dix and Henry say they've received an "outstanding" response to an online survey about B.C.'s response to the pandemic, with 275,000 people participating.

They urged others take part in the survey.

"There are still many questions that we need to answer and understand, including the impacts of the measures that we have taken to control COVID-19 in B.C. and flatten the curve," they say.

The survey also gauges interest in participating in further studies, including a blood test to determine immunity from COVID-19.

MORE National ARTICLES

Tips from the public lead to drug bust in South Surrey

Tips from the public lead to drug bust in South Surrey
Suspected drug trafficking at a South Surrey residence has been quashed thanks to tips from the public. RCMP began an investigation after being tipped off on a possible illegal cannabis store operating at a residence in the 16400-block of 24A Avenue.

Tips from the public lead to drug bust in South Surrey

BC Hydro makes plans as power demand plummets due to COVID-19 pandemic

BC Hydro makes plans as power demand plummets due to COVID-19 pandemic
The spring runoff and an "unprecedented" drop in the demand for electricity because of COVID-19 is forcing BC Hydro to shut down some of its operations and spill water from its dams.

BC Hydro makes plans as power demand plummets due to COVID-19 pandemic

Warm weekend melts temperature records in B.C.

Warm weekend melts temperature records in B.C.
British Columbia enjoyed record-breaking heat over the weekend. Environment Canada says preliminary data shows 17 heat records were set in B.C. on Sunday, including a temperature of 29.1 C in White Rock, smashing the old record of 26.7 C set 79 years ago.

Warm weekend melts temperature records in B.C.

One of two Quebec Liberal leadership candidates drops out, citing lack of money

One of two Quebec Liberal leadership candidates drops out, citing lack of money
One of only two leadership contenders for the Quebec Liberal Party is dropping out of the race. Alexandre Cusson, the former mayor of Drummondville, Que., announced today that the race is draining his finances.

One of two Quebec Liberal leadership candidates drops out, citing lack of money

CFIA demanding unsafe work of inspectors: union

CFIA demanding unsafe work of inspectors: union
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will order non-meat inspectors into meat plants under threat of discipline, according to the union representing agriculture workers.

CFIA demanding unsafe work of inspectors: union

More COVID-19 restrictions being lifted across the country

More COVID-19 restrictions being lifted across the country
Some Quebec schools were reopening and more Ontario retailers were offering curbside pickup on Monday as Ottawa promised to help some of the country's biggest employers stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More COVID-19 restrictions being lifted across the country