Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she is heartened by the many people staying home this Easter weekend to do their part to manage the pandemic. Photo: Government of BC Flickr

By Lyonel Doherty

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has reported that 905 people have fully recovered from COVID-19 in B.C.

In her report today from Victoria, she said there are 35 new cases, bringing the total to 1,445, including 135 in the Interior Health region.

There are no new long-term care facility outbreaks in B.C., Henry reported, noting that a total of 246 long-term care clients and staff have COVID-19 in 20 facilities.

An additional three people have died from the virus, bringing the total in B.C. to 58.

Henry said there are 26 cases of COVID-19 in the federal correctional centre in Mission, with five people hospitalized.

The total number of people hospitalized in B.C. is 134, including 63 in critical care.

Henry said she sincerely hopes that most people are not travelling this weekend, not even to the summer cottage. She thanked the people who are staying home and maintaining social distancing in order to manage the pandemic.

She applauded the new travel protocol at international borders, requiring returning travellers to document their self-isolation plans.

During question period, a reporter asked what Henry thought of all of the people travelling on BC Ferries this weekend.

She replied that people are travelling for many reasons, including to check up on family members during the crisis.

“We all need to be kind and patient (with these people).”

Henry said BC Ferries has a reduced schedule and are only permitted to accommodate 50 per cent of their capacity. She added the company is only seeing a fraction of the traffic that they normally see.

“I’m heartened that most people are staying home (this weekend).” 

Another reporter asked if there are any staff shortages in long-term care homes in B.C.

Henry said they are not seeing shortages in this province. In fact, she noted that a large number of nurses and care aides have stepped forward and volunteered to assist in B.C. facilities.