What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for June 29, 2020
Health officials announce 26 new cases and no additional deaths since Friday
THE LATEST:
- B.C. has had 2,904 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date — 153 of them are still active and 2,577 people have recovered.
- A total of 174 people in B.C. have died of COVID-19 to date.
- 18 people are in hospital, including five in the ICU.
- B.C. has entered Phase 3 of its COVID-19 restart plan, which allows B.C. residents to travel within the province.
A total of 2,904 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in B.C. to date, including 174 people who have died.
During Monday's daily briefing, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that 26 cases of the disease have been confirmed in the last three days, but no new deaths have been reported.
Henry spoke to recent COVID-19 exposures that have been reported in connection with Brandi's Exotic Show Lounge, a strip club in downtown Vancouver. Three people have now tested positive in connection with exposure to the virus at Brandi's on several nights last week, and officials are asking other patrons to watch themselves for symptoms.
Henry said it should serve as a reminder that the virus is still circulating in B.C., and everyone needs to stay vigilant.
"It is a team effort that we need to continue together in B.C.," she said.
Right now, there are 153 active cases of the virus in B.C. Eighteen people are in hospital, including five in intensive care.
The province has moved to a new stage of its COVID-19 recovery, with Premier John Horgan announcing the move to Phase 3 last week.
It means residents are allowed to travel within the province as hotels, motels, resorts, spas, and RV parks look to reopen.
On Monday, Health Minister Adrian Dix said that the opportunity to travel for vacation shouldn't be taken as a holiday from physical distancing and other measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He also urged anyone who is feeling ill to stay at home.
The film industry and select entertainment venues, such as movie theatres, have also received the go-ahead to resume business.
As the province moves ahead, officials are reminding the public that the risk of infection remains.
Officials though are confident about entering Phase 3 as B.C. had reduced positive cases to such a low point before opening things up.
B.C. has five long-term care or assisted-living facilities and one acute-care facility with active outbreaks.
Keep pandemic hygiene
Residents are asked to maintain their COVID-19 health practices, including physical distancing, frequent handwashing and wearing a mask when distancing isn't possible.
Horgan also reminded the public to keep social circles small, saying this summer is not the time for "large family gatherings and big parties."
"Although we are going to have a summer that's better than what we thought a few months ago, this is not a return to normal," the premier said Wednesday at a news conference.
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
- Why B.C. will be "right on the brink" of a COVID-19 resurgence for months to come.
- Summer will be a lot different this year. Here's how you can make sure your kids still have fun.
- Room at the inn: B.C.'s tourism hot spots still have vacancies as locals plan summer trips.
- Okanagan film industry becomes model for movie-making in post-pandemic world.
- B.C. extends layoff provisions until end of August, but some workers say further protections needed.
- Playland returns to the PNE, along with a Canada Day celebration made for cars.
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 Monday, Canada had 103,250 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial reports, regional health information and CBC's reporting stood at 8,570.
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.
Find information about COVID-19 from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
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
With files from The Canadian Press