“As we now look ahead to the restart of our province, we want to move slowly and thoughtfully. Next week will be the beginning of Phase 2”
HEALTH Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on Monday announced 23 new cases of COVID-19 since Saturday, for a total of 2,353 cases in British Columbia.
There was one new COVID-19 related death in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 130 deaths in the Province.
Dix and Henry said: “Today, we are providing case updates for two 24-hour reporting periods: May 9 to May 10, and May 10 to midday today.
“In the first reporting period through May 10, we had nine new cases. In the last 24 hours, we have had a further 14 new cases.”
There are 504 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 1,719 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 66 individuals are hospitalized, 18 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.
Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 873 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,118 in the Fraser Health region, 125 in the Island Health region, 180 in the Interior Health region and 57 in the Northern Health region.
In the last two days, there have been no new long-term care or assisted-living facility outbreaks. In total, 15 facilities and five acute-care units have active cases.
The outbreak at Bylands Nursery is now declared over.
Public health teams are continuing to provide support for community outbreaks in the poultry sector, at the Mission Institution and with those connected to the Kearl Lake plant in Alberta.
Dix and Henry said: “To protect our province, we had to move quickly to put the necessary orders and restrictions in place. As we now look ahead to the restart of our province, we want to move slowly and thoughtfully.
“Next week will be the beginning of Phase 2. Being patient and calm must be top-of-mind right now. A steady stream will be far more effective than a rushing river that can cause damage along the way.
“Whether an individual or business, we encourage everyone to take the time you need to think about how you are going to adapt your activities to the new ways of operating in our province.
“We need to strike the right balance with the easing of restrictions to ensure the go-forward approach is safe, practical and sustainable for the long term.
“When you reopen your business, do what is right for your business to protect yourself, your employees and your customers.
“We urge everyone to show kindness to your favourite store or hair salon owner as they adapt their business. While it may take longer, a thoughtful and measured approach will keep you safer.
“We can safely restart our province with everyone working together, supporting each other with patience and care. It is in our hands to make that happen.”
