HEALTH Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on Thursday announced 40 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 271 cases in British Columbia.

Another patient who had tested positive for COVID-19, a resident from the Lynn Valley Care Centre, has passed away.

Of the total cases, 152 are in Vancouver Coastal Health, 81 are in Fraser Health, 22 are in Island Health, 12 are in Interior Health and four are in Northern Heath.

Additionally, of the total COVID-19 cases, 17 individuals are currently hospitalized, nine are in intensive care and the remaining patients are at home in isolation.

Dix and Henry said: “We know that social distancing is an important line of defence for all us – staying a fingertip-to-fingertip distance away from each other, but no touching. Equally important is maintaining our connections with friends, family and colleagues while many of us remain at home.

“We are encouraged by the many innovative ways that people across B.C. are staying connected, while staying apart:

“Virtual coffee dates on your phone or laptop, takeout windows at restaurants, spending time outside with our families, or even dropping off homemade baking or books for those self-isolating. British Columbians are taking the challenge to heart.

“As individuals, there are many things we can do to stay connected. Getting outside in our many parks, walking your pet, or going for a bike ride are all safe. And when inside, take advantage of the many free online resources at your disposal, from virtual learning to exercise classes to reading an ebook from your local library.

“If you are picking up groceries, maintain space when lining up to pay. If you need to take a taxi, sit in the back seat and wipe down the payment pad with alcohol-based wipes before and after paying.

“New resources are being made available every day to support everyone in our province as we continue to work to stop the transmission of COVID-19. And if you are healthy and able to do so, please consider donating blood.”