What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for June 3, 2020
To date, B.C. has seen 2,623 cases of the virus and 166 deaths
THE LATEST:
- To date, there have been 2,623 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in B.C.
- 166 people have died.
- 2,243 people who tested positive have recovered.
- 32 people are in hospital, including seven in intensive care.
- There are 214 active cases of the virus across B.C.
B.C. health officials have confirmed another 22 cases of COVID-19 and recorded one more death from the disease as of Wednesday afternoon.
The province has seen 2,623 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, including 166 people who have died. There are now 214 people with active cases COVID-19, of whom 32 are in hospital, including seven in intensive care.
In a written statement announcing the latest numbers, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix addressed ongoing demonstrations against racism and police violence, and said it's important to remember to keep a physical distance of at least two metres from others even during protests.
"Racialized communities face obstacles that others to do not, and we have seen British Columbians proudly stand up and speak out against racism," Henry and Dix said.
"Exercising our right to peaceful demonstration is extremely important, and equally important is keeping our communities, loved ones and friends safe during this pandemic."
A ban on gatherings of more than 50 people remains in place across the province.
More outbreaks declared over
Meanwhile, B.C. continues to make progress on ending COVID-19 outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care homes, with five outbreaks declared over on Tuesday, and two more on Wednesday.
That leaves six long-term care homes or assisted living facilities with active outbreaks.
The outbreaks that have ended this week include one at an intensive care unit at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, where 10 health-care workers became infected with the novel coronavirus.
On Tuesday, however, two new community outbreaks were detected in office settings at New World Technologies and Maersk Distribution Canada, both located in the Fraser Health region. Both workplaces have two confirmed cases of the disease.
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
- A man who spent nearly two months in hospital with COVID-19 is warning others to take the risks of the pandemic seriously, as the virus can still find its way to vulnerable people.
- A Saskatoon girl's spinal surgery was cancelled in B.C. because of COVID-19, and now her window for a successful procedure is shrinking.
- Tristan Ghostkeeper is finally back home in the northern B.C. city of Prince George after being stuck on a cruise ship for 55 days. 54
- City of North Vancouver council has voted 6-1 to allow alcohol consumption at some parks and public places this summer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Anyone hoping for a normal summer of organized sport for themselves or their children will find little in the way of hope in B.C.'s just released return-to-sport guidelines.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a blow to the local hotel industry, and that's one of the reasons a city councillor is pushing a motion to review Vancouver's framework on short-term rentals.
- Thousands of children returned to classrooms Monday for the first time since the pandemic forced schools to close in March.
- British Columbians who are eager to legally get behind the wheel can start taking driving lessons again — they just can't get a licence yet.
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 5 a.m. PT, Canada had 92,410 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases, with 50,357 of the cases considered recovered or resolved. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial data, regional information and CBC's reporting stood at 7,458.
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 [email protected]
With files from The Canadian Press