BC reports one new coronavirus death, confirmed cases reach 1266

One more person has died due to COVID-19 in BC, bringing the province’s death toll to 39, health officials announced Monday.

The latest victim was a man in his 40s who passed away at home.

“No day where anyone passes away from COVID-19 is a good day,” BC’s Health Minister Adrian Dix told reporters in Victoria.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also announced 63 more test-positive cases of coronavirus, bringing the province’s total confirmed case count to 1,266.

So far, 783 people cases have recovered from their illness, meaning there are only 483 test-confirmed active infections in BC.

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“We need to redouble our efforts. We need to keep this up,” Henry said, adding this is a critical week to limit the virus’ spread. “We need to continue to stay home, to support and care for those around us at a distance.”

She noted the percentage of new cases has been slowing, which is a “testament to the efforts everyone has been making over the last few weeks.”

The province has closed schools and mandated widespread business closures to prevent spread of the virus. They’ve also forbidden large gatherings and asked to stay home and to practice “physical distancing” if the must go out.

There are outbreaks of the virus in 21 long-term care homes in the province, where elderly residents are especially vulnerable to the sickness that mainly affects the lungs. The good news is three long-term care homes that used to have outbreaks have squashed them, meaning there have been no new cases for two of the virus’ 14-day incubation periods.

There are currently 140 patients in hospital because of the coronavirus, and 72 of them are in intensive care.

Henry also took a moment at Monday’s press conference point people dealing with anxiety to some online resources. Anxiety Canada and Bounce Back BC got Henry’s nod of approval for providing tips for dealing with anxious feelings during the pandemic.

Henry recommended people dealing with more serious cases of anxiety reach out to their primary care provider and schedule a virtual care appointment.

She closed her remarks by telling British Columbians “this is our time to be kind, to be calm, and to be safe.”