By Lyonel Doherty

Another person in the Interior Health region has died of COVID-19.

The health authority reported that a man in his 70s died April 27 following an admission to hospital in early April.

“Our hearts are with his family and friends,” said senior communications consultant Karl Hardt.

He noted that Interior Health could not provide additional details due to privacy protocols.

This brings the total number of deaths in the Interior Health to two. A man in his 60s died of the virus two weeks ago.

On the opposite end of the age scale, the number of children with COVID-19 in B.C. remains small, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Today she reported that B.C. is not seeing some of the complications in children as evident in the United Kingdom.

She said there are five cases in B.C. under the age of 10, including one infant. There are 14 cases in children between the ages of 10 and 19. Currently, there is only one child in hospital, she noted.

Henry reported 55 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C today, bringing the total to 2,053. The Interior Health region has 168 cases.

Henry said there no new long-term care outbreaks, noting that 12 have been declared over.

Provincial health officials continue to keep their eye on two poultry facility outbreaks involving 80 cases of COVID-19. In addition, the federal correctional centre in Mission has a total of 120 inmates with the virus (two new cases today).

In total, there are 941 people in hospital now in B.C., including five in Interior Health.

A total of 105 people in B.C. have died from the virus. But the good news is more than 1,200 people have recovered, Henry said.

The health officer recognized National Day of Mourning today, saying that everyone deserves a safe workplace.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said people need to be vigilant, especially in workplaces as recently observed.

Dix reported there are more than 4,000 beds available in B.C. hospitals right now, with emergency room visits up to 4,448 (yesterday) compared to 5,500 before the pandemic. Three weeks ago, there were fewer than 3,000 emergency room visits, he stated.

Dix said the province is still keeping pace with the demand for personal protective equipment.

The minister said increasing economic activity in B.C. and loosening restrictions during the pandemic requires 100 per cent commitment from everyone in the province.

Dix said they want to renew B.C. without rebooting the virus, adding that protecting employees protects business.

“Physical distancing saves lives.”

During question period, Henry said she isn’t aware of any outbreaks resulting from any transfers from long-term care facilities. She noted that policy dictates that clients must be isolated for 14 days after going into long-term care.

Henry was questioned about some nurses feeling pressured to work when they don’t feel 100 per cent ready for the task.

She admitted this was a challenging situation since particular skillsets are in short supply in the workplace.

She was also asked if the latest community outbreaks have set the province back in lifting restrictions by mid-May.

Henry said not necessarily, noting they are watching the indicators and still looking at easing restrictions by the middle or end of May.