Thursday, July 16, 2020

21 new cases to report, along with review of Wednesday study on serology makes for Thursday COVID report





Thursday's overview of the COVID situation in British Columbia found British Columbia's top health officials making note of 21 new cases, including three epi-linked cases, for a total of 3,170 cases in British Columbia.

Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix also advised that there are 192 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,789 people who tested positive have recovered.

Of the total COVID-19 cases, 15 individuals are hospitalized, three of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation."

Across British Columbia the breakdown by Health authority is as follows: 1,028 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,667 in the Fraser Health region, 136 in the Island Health region, 223 in the Interior Health region, 65 in the Northern Health region, the constant level since early June for NH. 

As well there are  51 cases reported of people who reside outside of Canada.

 “There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 189 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Dr. Henry and Minister Dix also made note of a study released on Wednesday that noted the success BC has had in flattening the curve, but alerted British Columbians to the risk a second wave could provide.

“Yesterday, a number of scientists from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and University of British Columbia, with support from LifeLabs and Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, released a study outlining the results of initial serology testing within our province. This was the first report of its kind released in Canada. 

The study has some important lessons for all of us that can guide our actions and decision-making in the weeks ahead. This study can be found on the BCCDC website. 

As the report notes, we have been effective in flattening the curve in B.C. by following the precautions we have set. We have some of the lowest infection rates in North America. 

However, there is still community transmission as evidenced by the rate of infections in the samples. 

The study also shows us that our province does not have sufficient immunity to prevent a second wave. That is why continuing with the measures we have in place is vital to keeping us all safe. 

Using our layers of protection and following our foundational rules for safe social interactions is our path forward."

Dr. Henry also called attention to the report from the BC Coroner's Service noting of the record number of British Columbians who died as a result of illicit drugs.

“Many people are struggling. We need to reach out to our friends and family, so they know they are not alone and have the support to stay safe. “A safer supply and decriminalization of people who use drugs are important steps. So is each of us paying attention and reaching out to those who may be feeling the effects of isolation more."


The full report from Thursday can be reviewed 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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