Saturday, May 16, 2020

Another jump in the case count and how the Restart for business will look Tuesday among the Saturday COVID notes




The Saturday COVID report from Dr. Bonnie Henry featured a range of information, from the latest data counts to some guidance on the relaunch of the province's industrial and commercial sectors next week.

Also part of the Saturday narrative was a call for more participation in the ongoing survey that the BC Centre for Disease Control is hosting to learn more about the impact of COVID on British Columbians.

The briefing began, as always with a look at the daily data review.

21 new cases were reported today, for a total of 2,428 cases in British Columbia. At the moment there are 355 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 1,932 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.

Of the total COVID-19 cases, 49 individuals are hospitalized, 11 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation. "

The breakdown by Health Authority looks as follows:

878 cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,184 in the Fraser Health region, 126 in the Island Health region, 181 in the Interior Health region and 59 in the Northern Health region, that making for an increase of one from Friday.

Dr. Henry observed on one more passing from COIVD-19 in British Columbia over the last 24 hours.

 "We are saddened to report one new COVID-19 related death in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, for a total of 141 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to the family, friends, and caregivers, and to everyone who has lost their loved ones."

Once the Victoria Day, May Long weekend comes to an end, the relaunch of many businesses in the province will get underway, and towards that Dr. Henry offered the following reminders:

Starting on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, businesses can begin the process of safely reopening, and the provincial health officer orders have been amended accordingly. 

WorkSafeBC public health guidance is now available for several industry sectors. The guidance balances the need to be practical, sensible and safe when developing plans to reopen. 

The same ‘rules’ for social interactions apply to our businesses: fewer faces, smaller groups, shorter time together and bigger spaces. “No matter what your business, or where you may be operating, it is very important to remember that the most effective way to reduce the potential for transmission of COVID-19 is through safe physical distancing and never allowing anyone with any symptoms to come into your place of business – whether it is you, your employees or your customers. 

Business owners may have questions as they adapt their businesses and develop COVID-19 safety plans. We’re here to support you. 

The WorksafeBC prevention information hotline (1 888 621-7233) is your first stop. Each health authority also has environmental health officers who can guide you along the way.

Dr. Henry also reminded British Columbians of the current YOur Story, Our Future survey, noting that the province would like to see additional participation from Seniors and Elders, as well as those living outside of the larger populated areas of the province.

Learn more about the Survey from the engagement site at the BC CDC.

You can review the Saturday update here.


The BC Centre for Disease control has some valuable Coronavirus notes related to COVID-19 you can explore that information here.

You can learn more about the outbreak from both the Province and the Federal government from the links below:

Federal Government site

British Columbia Government site

The World Health Organization website also offers up the latest advisories on the global situation.

More from  Northern Health can be reviewed here 

You can review our archive of past statements and local information here.

Local governments and organizations have also provided for increased awareness of COVID-19 issues, the string of statements that came quickly at the end of the week can be reviewed here.

For notes from across Canada and British Columbia we have been archiving the latest items through our political portal Darcy McGee

Ottawa Observations

Victoria Viewpoints

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