There are 40 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total to 271, according to Minister of Health Adrian Dix and B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

In a joint statement this afternoon, they reported 12 cases in the Interior Health region, 152 in Vancouver Coastal Health, 81 in Fraser Health, 22 in Island Health and four in the Northern Health region.

“It is with sadness that we announce that another patient who tested positive for COVID-19, a resident from the Lynn Valley Care Centre, has passed away. We offer our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones and the staff who cared for them.”

Additionally, of the total COVID-19 cases, 17 individuals are currently hospitalized, nine are in intensive care and the remaining patients are at home in isolation.

“We know that social distancing is an important line of defence for all us – staying a fingertip-to-fingertip distance away from each other, but no touching. Equally important is maintaining our connections with friends, family and colleagues while many of us remain at home.”

Dix and Henry said they are encouraged by the many innovative ways that people across B.C. are staying connected, while staying apart. For example, virtual coffee dates on your phone or laptop, takeout windows at restaurants, spending time outside with your families, or even dropping off homemade baking or books for those self-isolating.

“British Columbians are taking the challenge to heart.”

As individuals, there are many things we can do to stay connected. Getting outside in our many parks, walking your pet, or going for a bike ride are all safe. And when inside, take advantage of the many free online resources at your disposal, from virtual learning to exercise classes to reading an ebook from your local library.

If you are picking up groceries, maintain space when lining up to pay. If you need to take a taxi, sit in the back seat and wipe down the payment pad with alcohol-based wipes before and after paying.

New resources are being made available every day to support everyone in the province as we continue to work to stop the transmission of COVID-19.

Dix and Henry also encouraged people to consider donating blood if they are healthy.

Learn More:

To view all the provincial health officer’s orders, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics

To take the online self-assessment tool, visit: http://covid-19.bccdc.ca/