What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for July 2, 2020
To date, B.C. has had 2,940 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 177 people have died
THE LATEST:
- There are 24 new cases of COVID-19 in the province, and three new deaths since Tuesday.
- To date, B.C. has had 2,940 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 177 people have died.
- 17 people are in hospital, including two in the ICU.
- Restrictions on visitors to long-term care homes are being eased.
- Canada-U.S. border restrictions extended until the end of July.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced three new deaths and 24 new cases of COVID-19 in the province Thursday at her daily briefing.
No new numbers were released Wednesday, owing to the Canada Day public holiday.
The holiday was low key compared with previous years, with physical distancing measures meaning fewer public gatherings for fireworks. The Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver claimed to hold the only Canada Day parade in the country with a drive-thru tour of the grounds featuring food and special performances.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sent a special message to B.C.'s health-care workers to thank them for their dedication and hard work.
A total of 2,940 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in B.C. to date, including 177 people who have died. There are 160 active cases of the virus in the province. Seventeen people are in hospital, including two in intensive care.
READ MORE:
- What you need to know if you live in B.C. and suspect you have COVID-19
- What we know (and don't know) about the coronavirus outbreak
- Information from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Dr. Bonnie Henry says the province has stopped short of mandating the use of non-medical masks out of concern for those who would have difficulty wearing one, but strongly recommends wearing one.
- Families expressed relief at relaxed visitation rules at long-term care facilities across the province.
- Reopening the Canada-U.S. border will be a long, piecemeal process, with some suspecting the border could remain closed for more than another year.
- B.C. Premier John Horgan expressed concern that Americans were apparently playing around with the so-called "Alaska loophole" to visit B.C. despite strict border rules.
- Health authorities are warning passengers on four recent flights into Vancouver International Airport of possible exposure to COVID-19.
Important reminders:
B.C.'s top doctor, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said the risk of contracting coronavirus in B.C. communities remains low. Health officials widely agree the most important thing you can do to prevent coronavirus and other illnesses is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. The World Health Organization said more than 80 per cent of COVID-19 infections are estimated to be mild.
What's happening elsewhere in Canada
As of 5:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Canada had 104,271 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial reports, regional health information and CBC's reporting stood at 8,663.
The restriction on non-essential travellers from the U.S. was extended on Tuesday for another month, until the end of July. Experts say the reopening of the Canada-U.S. border to its previous level could be a long and winding process.
Essential workers, such as truckers and health workers, are allowed to cross the border.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Common symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Tiredness.
But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia.
What should I do if I feel sick?
Stay home. Isolate yourself and call your local public health authority. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested.
What can I do to protect myself?
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Keep them clean.
- Keep your distance from people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Be aware of evolving travel advisories to different regions.
More detailed information on the outbreak is available on the federal government's website.
If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us at [email protected]