B.C. records 1st COVID-19 death in a week

After six days without a death from COVID-19, B.C. has lost another life to the novel coronavirus.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced Friday that B.C. has also confirmed another 16 cases of the illness, for a total of 2,709 to date. Of those cases, 187 are still active.

Twelve people are in hospital with COVID-19, including three in intensive care. To date, 168 people have died from the disease in B.C.

There are no new outbreaks of the virus, either in the community or in health-care settings. Right now, public health officials are managing five active outbreaks in long-term care and six in the community.

In a written statement, Henry and Dix addressed revisions to a public health order that has allowed restaurants to reopen in B.C.

"The best way for us to avoid spreading the virus is to ensure everyone, employees and patrons, have the space to stay safe," they said.

"Food service owners need to remember that protecting your employees and patrons requires layers of protection in the kitchen and in the dining area."

Though operators are no longer limited to serving 50 per cent of their normal capacity of customers, the latest order lays out responsibilities including frequent cleaning and hand washing, barriers in the kitchen and between tables and proper spacing for customers.

Henry and Dix also reminded customers of their responsibilities, including staying home when sick and keeping party sizes small.

"We all want to stay safe and we all have a role to play. The decisions we make and the actions we take will protect our communities and allow us to continue to progress," they said.