What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. on May 2, 2020
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced two new deaths caused by the coronavirus
THE LATEST:
- Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 26 new cases on Saturday.
- A total of 2,171 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in B.C. as of Saturday afternoon.
- 114 people have died.
- 72 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, including 23 in intensive care.
- 1,376 people have recovered.
B.C. has seen a steady decline in the hospitalization rates for COVID-19 over the last month, and the number of patients in intensive care is now just one-third of what it was at the peak of the crisis.
As of Saturday, there were 72 COVID-19 patients in the province's hospitals, down from 79 on Friday. That includes 23 people in intensive care.
The total number of confirmed cases in B.C. sits at 2,171, and two more people have died because of the novel coronavirus, for a total of 114. To date, 1,376 people have recovered from the illness.
Active outbreaks are underway at 21 long-term care homes and three hospital acute-care units, along with a few poultry processing plants, and Mission Institution, a federal prison.
Henry announced a new outbreak at a poultry plant on Saturday — at Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry, with three new confirmed cases there.
Nonetheless, provincial officials say they're pleased with B.C.'s success at flattening the curve of infection. Premier John Horgan has promised to release details next week on plans to gradually lift restrictions on daily life and business.
- 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
- An infectious disease doctor in Ontario says B.C. has "plateaued," and urges a slow, steady reopening.
- With casinos closed across B.C., municipalities and community groups could lose out on cash with less gaming revenue to share.
- A group of B.C. seniors are beating quarantine boredom by recreating famous paintings featuring themselves.
- Artists are transforming boarded-up storefronts into art during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- B.C. is now accepting applications for its Emergency Benefit for Workers, which provides a one-time, tax free payment of $1,000 to those whose work has been affected by COVID-19.
Important reminders:
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 Saturday, Canada had 55,061 confirmed COVID-19 cases. A CBC News tally of coronavirus-related deaths, which is based on provincial data, local public health information and CBC reporting, put the death toll at 3,507 in Canada, plus two deaths abroad.
The numbers are not a complete picture, as they don't account for people who haven't been tested, those being investigated as a potential case and people still waiting for test results.
For a look at what's happening across the country and the world, check the CBC interactive case tracker.
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 or 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested.
Find information about COVID-19 from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
Non-medical information about COVID-19 is available in B.C. from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. PT, seven days a week at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319).
What can I do to protect myself?
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Keep them clean.
- Keep at least two metres away from people who are sick.
- When outside the home, keep two metres away from other people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Masks won't fully protect you from infection, but can help prevent you from infecting others.
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]
With files from the Canadian Press