BC reports four new coronavirus cases and no new deaths

BC health officials reported four new coronavirus cases on Friday, continuing a trend of new known transmissions levelling off.

There were also no more deaths Friday, leaving BC’s death toll at 164.

This is the third straight day that public health workers discovered fewer than 10 new cases. The news comes as BC prepares to move into Phase 3 of its restart plan next month, which could see non-essential travel within the province permitted again.

“Easing restrictions can be done only after thoughtful consideration. Our focus and priority are the health and safety of all British Columbians. With your help and all of us doing our part, we will get through this storm together,” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said in a statement.

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The latest cases bring BC’s active case count to 228.

Since the pandemic began, the province has seen 2,562 coronavirus cases. Most of those are considered resolved, with 2,170 people already recovered from their illness.

Broken down by health region, there have been 900 cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,277 cases in the Fraser Health region, 127 cases in the Island Health region, 195 cases in the Interior Health region, and 63 cases in the Northern Health region.

There were also no new coronavirus outbreaks reported at long-term care centres, another encouraging sign. Across BC, 15 nursing homes are currently dealing with outbreaks.