Vancouver Island reported two new cases of COVID-19 and one additional death over the weekend. Across the province, there were 267 new cases between Friday and Monday and three deaths from the virus. Of these cases, 10 were epi-linked, according to Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer. There has been one new community outbreak in the province, at Calvary Chapel Church in Kelowna.
Henry encouraged British Columbians to step back from social gatherings and interactions.
“Through the choices we make, we can control the course of the pandemic as we are moving into the fall. Whether the curve goes up further, stays the same or goes down relies on us. The best thing we can do, all of us, is take a step back from our social interactions right now,” said Henry.
There are now 1,302 active cases of COVID-19 across the province, including 69 people in hospital — 22 of these patients are in ICU or critical care. Dr. Henry reported three new outbreaks in healthcare settings; Holy Family Hospital in the Vancouver Coastal Health, Thornbridge Gardens in Fraser Health and at the Harrison West building of Elim Village in Surrey. The outbreak at Burnaby Hospital has been declared over. There are 16 active outbreaks in the healthcare system now.
“I’m asking you to travel less, to see fewer people, to stay with your household and your safe six and connect with the other important people in your life virtually. You can make a difference by making these safe choices now,” said Henry.
Currently 3,372 people are under active public health monitoring across the province.
Henry provided advice today for British Columbians regarding Halloween and said guidance will be announced later this week.
“We cannot have those big parties where lots of people are getting together, whether it’s young people partying in costumes or whether it’s the trick or treating,” she said.
