Hospitalizations continue to rise as B.C. announces 58 new COVID-19 cases but no new deaths

B.C. health officials announced 58 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, the second lowest number in two weeks, after a steady rise in new cases throughout August.

There were no new deaths.

A total of 22 people are now in hospital with the disease, up from 18 on Monday and the highest number since June 4. Seven patients are in intensive care, two more than on Monday.

The number of people with active infections in B.C. now stands at a record high 925. There have been a total of 5,242 cases and 203 deaths since the pandemic began and 4,114 people have recovered from the disease.

B.C.'s total caseload is higher now than it was in March, when the province began shutting down services and businesses.

And even though the number of infected has skewed increasingly young, the percentage of people hospitalized by age hasn't changed in the last two months.

Outbreak at Privé Kitchen and Bar in Vancouver

A new outbreak was declared at Bear Creek Villa in the Fraser Health region, as well as at Langley Memorial Hospital.

There are currently 10 long-term care or assisted-living facilities experiencing outbreaks, and two acute-care facilities.

Vancouver Coastal Health says anyone who visited Privé Kitchen and Bar on August 3, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16 and 17 may have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. Those who did are asked to monitor themselves for symptoms.

In Tuesday's joint statement, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix said there continue to be instances of community exposure on flights in and out of the province.

"Our recent daily cases are higher than many of us are comfortable with, so let's continue to do our part every moment of every day and keep COVID-19 where it needs to be," the statement said.

"While we would all like to get to zero, we need to rather focus on prevention, detection and rapid response."

'Many more months of this to come'

Despite recent outbreaks and clusters of cases, Henry said Monday shutting down is not the answer. Compared to earlier in the pandemic, she said, officials have a better understanding of the virus, including how to track it and prevent transmission.

Henry said B.C. still has a low rate of undetected transmission, meaning health officials are able to find and connect with people who have the disease.

In recent weeks, B.C. has increased its testing capacity to between 4,000 and 5,000 people a day. Henry said the rate of positive tests remains relatively low, but the health-care system needs to be prepared.

"There are many more months of this to come," she said.