COVID-19 hospitalizations fall to 96 in B.C., but 4 more deaths recorded

The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has dipped to 96 in B.C., but the province continues to see more deaths from the disease, with four recorded on Friday.

So far, 98 people have died of the novel coronavirus in B.C.

On Friday, health officials announced 29 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, for a total of 1,853 to date. Of the 96 patients who are in hospital, 41 are in intensive care.

A total of 1,114 people have now recovered from the disease.

"Maintaining a safe physical distance, washing hands frequently and staying home when ill continue to be the best things we can do to protect our communities and continue to bend the curve," provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix said in a written statement.

"While our weekends are a time to unwind and relax, the exception is with these important health measures."

Six new cases have been confirmed in connection with the outbreak at the United Poultry processing plant in Vancouver, for a total of 35 so far. There are still two confirmed cases at Superior Poultry Processors in Coquitlam.

There are now 10 cases in B.C. connected to the outbreak at the Kearl Lake oilsands project in northern Alberta, and 78 linked to the Mission Institution, a federal prison.

There have been no new outbreaks at long-term care homes or acute care units in B.C. As of Friday, there are 20 active outbreaks in long-term care facilities and three in acute care.