What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for June 19, 2020

THE LATEST:

• B.C. is extending its financial benefit for renters and landlords until August.
• Friday's daily update will come in the form of a written statement around 3 p.m. PT.
• B.C. has had 2,783 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date.
• 168 people have died but there have been no new deaths from COVID-19 since last Friday.
• 190 cases are still active.
• 10 people are in hospital, including five in intensive care.
• 2,425 people have recovered from their illness.
• There are now more than 100,000 confirmed and presumptive cases in Canada.

The province announced Friday it is extending a temporary financial benefit for renters and landlords until the end of August.

The temporary rental supplement (TRS) program offers $500 per month for eligible households with dependents and $300 per month for eligible households with no dependents. Eligible roommates are also able to apply for the money.

Those who have already been receiving the benefit do not need to reapply, the province said.

The last 12 days have seen just one death from the novel coronavirus, providing further evidence that B.C. has managed to flatten the curve of infection.

To date, 2,783 cases have been confirmed, 168 people have died and 2,425 people have recovered from their illness. As of Thursday, 10 patients are being treated in hospital for COVID-19, including five in intensive care.

The are currently 190 known active cases in B.C. 

While the numbers in British Columbia continue to be encouraging, Canada passed a grim milestone on Thursday, when the number of confirmed and presumptive cases across the country surpassed 100,000.

Health Minister Adrian Dix, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Shannon McDonald, acting chief medical officer for the First Nations Health Authority, were due to reveal new details Friday morning about how COVID-19 has affected First Nations communities in B.C. That event has been cancelled.

READ MORE:

• Your guide to financial help available for people in B.C. affected by the crisis.
• How to apply for EI and COVID-19 emergency benefits.
• Get the latest advisories, updates and cancellations for B.C.

Top COVID-19 stories today

• A staff member at an independent school in the Fraser Health region has tested positive for COVID-19.
• B.C. is closing its portion of Peace Arch Park on the U.S.-Canada border, saying a "significant" increase in the number of visitors over the last month has created public safety concerns.
• Dix and Henry seemed to temper expectations for the return of live spectator sports in the fall, making the case that there's a good reason for limits on the size of gatherings.
• More than 100 individuals and organizations involved in the wellbeing of B.C. children are calling on the province to create a new task force to help kids and families cope with the long-term effects of the pandemic.

What's happening elsewhere in Canada

As of 8:45 a.m. PT on Friday, Canada had 100,565 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases, with 62,237 considered recovered or resolved. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial data, regional health information and CBC's reporting stood at 8,407.

For a look at what's happening across the country and the world, check the CBC interactive case tracker.

If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us at [email protected]