By Lyonel Doherty

The province is “holding its own” against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, but the Easter long weekend will be a critical time to follow the rules.

So said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry in today’s news update from Victoria.

She reported 34 new cases today, compared to 45 yesterday, for a total of 1,370 in B.C. Yesterday’s total was 1,336.

Once again, the Interior Health region reported no new cases, staying at 130 today.

Henry reported 132 people in hospital, including 68 in critical care.

Sadly, two additional deaths have been reported, bringing the total to 50 in B.C.

However, 20 more people have fully recovered from the virus, for a total of 858.

Henry said there are no new outbreaks in long-term care facilities in B.C. In fact, one outbreak has been declared over.

She said 253 COVID-19 cases are associated with long-term care, and the vast majority of the deaths have involved seniors in these facilities.

Henry said the government is continuing to make sure that health care workers are only working in one facility (so as not to spread the virus to another). But she admitted that the logistics to ensure this are challenging.

Henry noted that these workers continue to respond courageously to this monumental challenge to protect seniors in long-term care.

While she said people’s compliance of the rules are truly making a difference in flattening the curve, now is not the time to let up.

“We’re not over the hump yet; it will be a bumpy ride for a while but we’re holding our own.”

Henry encouraged people to unwind this weekend but cautioned them to stay home. She suggested that people offer to tidy a neighbour’s garden or drop off food for someone. You can even go for a walk or bike ride, but keep your distance from others.

Health Minister Adrian Dix once again urged B.C. residents not to travel to Alberta (and vice versa), noting such travel does not make any sense and should not happen in this crisis.

Some people would love to go to that fishing cabin, but now is not the time, he pointed out.

During question period, Henry said the province is looking at ways to relax some of the public health orders and restrictions depending on COVID-19 numbers and statistics.