“Another important preventive measure is to get an influenza vaccine this fall. Vaccines are arriving in B.C. now and over the coming weeks”

DR. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, and Stephen Brown, Deputy Minister of Health, on Thursday announced 142 new COVID-19 cases, including three epi-linked cases. The total number of cases in British Columbia is now 11,034.

For the second day in a row, there were no new COVID-19-related deaths. The total number of deaths remains at 250.

There are 1,494 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 3,683 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases, and 9,257 people who tested positive have recovered.

Currently, 74 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 24 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 3,974 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 5,800 in the Fraser Health region, 239 in the Island Health region, 587 in the Interior Health region, 345 in the Northern Health region and 89 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. In total, 16 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

There has been one new community outbreak at the FedEx office adjacent to the Kelowna airport. There continue to be exposure events around the province. Public alerts and notifications are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website and on all health authorities’ websites.

Henry and Brown added: “Today we are reporting B.C.’s first confirmed case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in a child under the age of five years. The child was under investigation after showing symptoms of the syndrome and was confirmed with MIS-C when a COVID-19 serology test returned positive. The child has fully recovered and is at home.

“An additional 16 children in B.C. have been investigated for possible MIS-C and did not meet the case definition, as none of them have been positive or had links to COVID-19.

“Washing our hands regularly is one of easiest and best ways for us to protect ourselves from COVID-19, influenza and common colds. Today, on International Handwashing Day, take the time to refresh your good handwashing habits.

“When you come home, arrive at work or school, pause to wash your hands before doing anything else. And remember, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and dry them thoroughly.

“Another important preventive measure is to get an influenza vaccine this fall. Vaccines are arriving in B.C. now and over the coming weeks.

“Make this a part of your fall activities and be sure to get your vaccine before the end of November. To find a clinic and book your appointment, visit: www.immunizebc.ca

“Everyone in B.C. has a role to play in our COVID-19 response. Through simple steps, like washing our hands regularly and getting our influenza vaccine, we can all make a difference. Do your part today and help to protect our communities this fall and winter.”