“This virus is putting a strain on all of us, which is why compassion and care for others is so important right now”

PROVINCIAL Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix on Wednesday announced 738 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 29,086 cases in British Columbia.

Unfortunately, there were 13 new COVID-19-related deaths, and the total number of deaths now stands at 371 in the province.

There are 7,816 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 294 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 61 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

Currently, 10,270 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 19,814 people who tested positive have recovered.

Since Tuesday, there have been 169 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 443 in the Fraser Health region, 21 in the Island Health region, 70 in the Interior Health region, 35 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

Henry and Dix said: “We are also reporting a data correction in the daily case numbers in the Fraser Health region. Due to an error in the transfer of data from a lab to the health authority, there were errors in the new cases reported from November 17-24. The data has been reviewed and authenticated.”

There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks and the outbreaks at Royal Columbian Hospital and Agassiz Seniors Community are over. There have been no new community outbreaks and the outbreak at MSJ Distribution at Valhalla is over.

Henry and Dix added: “Today, we are very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ross Brown, vice-president pandemic from Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, to oversee our COVID-19 vaccine operations in British Columbia. Brown’s biography can be found here: http://www.vch.ca/about-us/leadership/senior-executive-team/dr-ross-brown

“As part of our provincewide COVID-19 response, the minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General has put a new order in place to enable enforcement of the mandatory use of masks in all indoor public spaces.

“A comprehensive list of the locations where the order applies, as well as the individuals who are exempt from this order is available at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0061-001960

“It is important to remember that while masks are now required in many locations, not everyone is able to wear a mask. If you see someone without a mask, understand that while we are all in the same storm, each of our circumstances is unique.

“This virus is putting a strain on all of us, which is why compassion and care for others is so important right now.

“COVID-19 has meant that we all have to work a little bit harder to connect in a safe way and ensure our family, friends and neighbours know they are not alone and have the support they may need.

“Let’s work together to slow the spread of this virus and ease the strain we are all feeling by doing our part today.”