What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for June 4, 2020
9 new cases reported Thursday, no new deaths
THE LATEST:
- Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported nine new cases Thursday and no new deaths.
- Henry presented new epidemiological models Thursday.
- As of Thursday, there have been 2,632 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in B.C.
- 166 people have died.
- 2,265 people who tested positive have recovered.
- 26 people are in hospital, including six in intensive care.
- There are 201 active cases of the virus across B.C.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported Thursday that nine new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in B.C.
There were no new deaths reported.
So far, B.C. has detected 2,632 cases of COVID-19 — 2,265 people have recovered and 166 people have died of the disease.
There are 201 active cases of COVID-19 in B.C. Twenty-six people are in hospital, six of whom are in intensive care. All of the people in hospital are in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions.
Henry said of Thursday's nine cases, four were "epidemiologically linked" to patients who had tested positive. They were close to known cases and had shown symptoms but may not have had access to testing at the time. She said all four of those people have now recovered.
New modelling
British Columbians were shown new epidemiological models Thursday showing details of how the pandemic grew in this province and more precisely where cases have been detected.
Nationally, the federal government said its data shows the number of cases is dropping. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a new modelling report released later Thursday will show many communities are seeing very low numbers of new cases, most of which can be traced, but warned the country still has a long way to go in its fight against the virus.
"I want to be very clear: We are not out of the woods," Trudeau said Thursday morning.
The number of active outbreaks of the disease in health-care settings in B.C. continues to fall. On Wednesday, there were six ongoing outbreaks in long-term care homes or assisted living facilities.
Meanwhile, health officials are reminding British Columbians that the ban on gatherings of more than 50 people remains in place. For those planning to participate in protests against racism and police brutality, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has recommended keeping a safe physical distance from others and wearing a non-medical mask.
A number of municipalities, including Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, are moving to open spray parks, outdoor pools, outdoor summer camps and events as restrictions ease. A statement Thursday said Port Coquitlam is opening spray parks on June 15 and outdoor pools by July 2.
Both Port Coquitlam and Port Moody said staff are planning modified outdoor day camps for children over the summer.
A public health order from Henry has banned overnight camps in B.C. during the pandemic.
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
- Four Asian-Canadians share their stories of experiencing racism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- B.C.'s education minister says a hybrid of in-class and online learning will likely be part of the next school year, given the potential of a second wave of COVID-19 in the fall.
- Millions of respirator masks that British Columbia purchased from a manufacturer in China have been given a stamp of approval by separate labs, making them available for health workers, Health Minister Adrian Dix said.
- 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.
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 Thursday morning, Canada has 93,085 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases, with 51,048 of the cases considered recovered or resolved, according to data compiled by The Canadian Press. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial data, regional information and CBC's reporting stood at 7,539.
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