What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for June 12, 2020
CBC News | Posted: June 12, 2020 12:00 PM | Last Updated: June 13, 2020
On Friday, officials announced a new death from COVID-19, the first in 7 days
THE LATEST:
- The province announced 16 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. on Friday.
- There was one fatality, the first in six days.
- 168 people have died of the novel coronavirus to date.
- The total number of confirmed cases in B.C. is 2,709
- 187 cases are still active.
- 12 people are in hospital, including three in intensive care.
- 2,354 people have recovered from their illness.
For the first time in a week, B.C. has recorded a new fatality related to COVID-19.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry provided a statement Friday afternoon outlining the new numbers, which included 16 new cases.
"We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic," she said in a release.
Despite the new death, B.C. is easing up on restrictions for places like restaurants as the curve of COVID-19 infection continues to flatten.
On Thursday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said operators will no longer be limited to serving 50 per cent of their normal capacity.
A total of 168 people have died from COVID-19 in the province, while there have been 2,709 confirmed cases. 12 people are in hospital with the virus, including three in intensive care.
While B.C. has had some success keeping the virus under control, the province's other public health emergency is only getting worse, four years in.
May 2020 was the worst month on record for suspected drug overdose deaths, with 170 — more people than the number who have died in the entire COVID-19 pandemic.
READ MORE:
- Your guide to financial help available for people in B.C. affected by the crisis
- How to apply for EI and COVID-19 emergency benefits
- Get the latest advisories, updates and cancellations for B.C.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- While physical distancing requirements have meant reduced capacity for most restaurants, a Vancouver café has found a unique way to fill seats: full-sized mannequins.
- Even though Canadians are currently barred from driving to the U.S. for leisure, they can still fly there. Many say they had no idea.
- In an emotional address, Dr. Bonnie Henry pleaded with British Columbians to show the same compassion to people caught up in the opioid crisis as they are to victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Researchers who reviewed 172 studies about the effectiveness of masks, eye protection and physical distancing in decreasing the spread of COVID-19 confirm what many health officials have already been saying: They work.
- Raghbir Dosanjh died of COVID-19. This is why his family wants you to know his story.
- Here are some of the other British Columbians who have been lost to this pandemic.
- A Vancouver Island First Nation has issued an order aimed at protecting its members from COVID-19, just as the B.C. government is making plans to reopen tourism.
Important reminders:
Health officials widely agree the most important thing you can do to prevent coronavirus and other illnesses is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
The World Health Organization said more than 80 per cent of COVID-19 infections are estimated to be mild.
What's happening elsewhere in Canada
As of Friday, there were 97,943 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases in Canada, with 58,523 cases considered recovered or resolved. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial data, regional health information and CBC's reporting stood at 8,104.
For a look at what's happening across the country and the world, check the CBC interactive case tracker.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Common symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Tiredness.
But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia.
What should I do if I feel sick?
Stay home. Isolate yourself and call your local public health authority or 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested.
Non-medical information about COVID-19 is available in B.C. from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. PT, seven days a week at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319).
What can I do to protect myself?
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Keep them clean.
- Keep at least two metres away from people who are sick.
- When outside the home, keep two metres away from other people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Masks won't fully protect you from infection, but can help prevent you from infecting others.
More detailed information on the outbreak is available on the federal government's website.
If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us at impact@cbc.ca