Sunday, May 5, 2024
ADVT 
National

British Columbia records 18 new cases of COVID-19, three new deaths

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 May, 2020 12:38 AM
  • British Columbia records 18 new cases of COVID-19, three new deaths

British Columbia recorded 18 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, bringing the province's total number of active cases to 310.

Health officials say in a statement that the new figures push the number of cases identified in the province to 2,507.

Among those, 2,042 have now recovered, or about four out of every five people.

Those with active cases of the virus are recovering at home in self-isolation, while 41 are hospitalized including eight in intensive care.

However, the death toll continues to rise and three more people have succumbed to the illness for a total of 155.

An outbreak at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver that has been ongoing for a month has been declared over and no new health-care outbreaks have been identified.

British Columbia recently entered a new phase of its pandemic response with several businesses resuming or preparing to restart operations.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry say this phase is about moving slowly, with patience and care.

"We are finding our new balance between protecting our health and reopening many of the businesses and activities that are important to all of us," Dix and Henry say in the joint statement.

"Phase 2 of B.C.'s restart plan is about pausing before moving forward; being thoughtful and cautious to keep everyone safe, while COVID-19 remains in our communities."

Mass gatherings remain restricted to no more than 50 people and the order has been amended to apply to drive-in events.

No more than 50 vehicles are allowed at a drive-in and there's also a restriction on the sale of refreshments.

Anyone attending such events must stay in their cars unless they have to go to the washroom, which must be serviced with running water for proper hand hygiene, the statement says.

In a separate statement, Dix and Henry say they've received an "outstanding" response to an online survey about B.C.'s response to the pandemic, with 275,000 people participating.

They urged others take part in the survey.

"There are still many questions that we need to answer and understand, including the impacts of the measures that we have taken to control COVID-19 in B.C. and flatten the curve," they say.

The survey also gauges interest in participating in further studies, including a blood test to determine immunity from COVID-19.

MORE National ARTICLES

Facebook pays $9.5 million to end Competition Bureau's probe into privacy claims

Facebook pays $9.5 million to end Competition Bureau's probe into privacy claims
Facebook will pay $9.5 million in a no-contest agreement with the Competition Bureau, which says the social media company made false or misleading claims about how much control Canadians had over the privacy of their personal information.

Facebook pays $9.5 million to end Competition Bureau's probe into privacy claims

UN Security Council needs Canada post-pandemic, akin to Second World War: PM

UN Security Council needs Canada post-pandemic, akin to Second World War: PM
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada's bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council is more relevant now because of the need to rebuild the world after the COVID-19 crisis subsides.

UN Security Council needs Canada post-pandemic, akin to Second World War: PM

'Good questions' being asked about safety of Snowbirds: Trudeau

'Good questions' being asked about safety of Snowbirds: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to members of the Canadian Armed Forces on Tuesday even as he acknowledged that "very good questions" are being asked about the safety of the Snowbirds following the aerobatics team's second plane crash in less than a year.

'Good questions' being asked about safety of Snowbirds: Trudeau

Scheer says no Taiwan at WHO a 'shame,' and that Trudeau support came late

Scheer says no Taiwan at WHO a 'shame,' and that Trudeau support came late
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer lamented Taiwan's exclusion from key meetings of the World Health Organization, and he's branding the Liberal government as a Johnny-come-lately to that global push — one that has angered China.

Scheer says no Taiwan at WHO a 'shame,' and that Trudeau support came late

Warning signs of N.S. mass shooter's paranoia, guns, prior abuse noted in warrant

Warning signs of N.S. mass shooter's paranoia, guns, prior abuse noted in warrant
A newly released document details warning signals of paranoid behaviour and unusual purchases of gasoline by the gunman who went on a rampage that killed 22 people in Nova Scotia last month.

Warning signs of N.S. mass shooter's paranoia, guns, prior abuse noted in warrant

Full powers of Parliament must be reinstated, Conservatives' Scheer says

Full powers of Parliament must be reinstated, Conservatives' Scheer says
Opposition leader Andrew Scheer said Tuesday that more powers of Parliament must be restored to properly scrutinize the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Full powers of Parliament must be reinstated, Conservatives' Scheer says