Image: Government of BC Flickr

Sophie Gray

Local Journalism Initiative

B.C. recorded the largest single day increase in COVID-19 cases on Saturday, along with the first death in a First Nations community.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 95 new test-positive cases, bringing the total number in the province to 1,948. 

The large spike in cases recorded on Saturday is mostly related to community outbreaks in the Fraser Health region, particularly at the Mission Federal Correctional Facility.

“We’ve done extensive testing within that facility within the last few days,” said Dr. Henry. “ So forty of the additional cases are related to people who were detected at the Mission Correctional Facility.”

Other cases adding to Saturday’s total came from Superior Poultry, which recorded 16 new cases today, and eleven new cases related to the Kearl Lake Camp outbreak in Alberta.

Dr. Henry also announced a further two deaths, one of which is the first death in a First Nations community.

“This is a tragedy that’s beyond just us. It’s a tragedy for all of us. Our elders, in particular in our First Nations communities, are culture and history keepers. When they become ill and when they die, we all lose,” she said.

The name and location of the community were not released.

During Saturday’s announcement, Dr. Henry also stressed the importance of being kind to everyone in our communities, especially those most vulnerable including those suffering from mental health issues, substance abuse problems and domestic violence.

“As we continue to move forward in our COVID-19 response, it’s important that we don’t leave anyone behind, particularly people I know who are dealing with many crisis,” said Dr. Henry.

She noted that there are resources available for those suffering from mental health and domestic violence, and stressed that the provincial health authorities are continuing to address the homelessness and substance abuse problems that plague the province. 

“Everyone in B.C. deserves to feel safe, protected, and supported through these crises,” said Dr. Henry.

Of the total number of cases, 160 are in Interior Health, with 778 in Vancouver Coastal Health, 853 in Fraser Health, 115 on Vancouver Island and 42 in the Northern Health region. The total number of deaths in the province is now 100, while 1,135 people are reported to be fully recovered.