B.C. reports lowest increase of COVID-19 cases in weeks, three new deaths

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — Three deaths have been reported in an update from B.C.’s health officials and 14 additional cases in the last 24 hours.

Thursday’s reported cases are the lowest numbers of new infections since March 14.

In a joint statement from Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, an additional two new outbreaks have been recorded in the Kootenay Street Village long-term care facility as well as an acute care unit at the Ridge Meadows Hospital.

“Four facilities, where outbreaks had previously been declared over, have new cases,” the release reads.

So far, 26 care homes have outbreaks.

Nine-hundred-eighty-three people have also recovered while the recovery rate remains at 62 per cent.

Health officials add temporary foreign workers will also be arriving to the province later this week to “help sustain our food and agricultural supplies.”

The workers will be expected to complete 14 days of self-isolation once they arrive.

“We have also put a new provincial health officer’s order in place to require agricultural employers to establish and maintain infection control plans. To support these efforts, we have authorized bylaw enforcement officers to review these plans to ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect the workers and our communities,” the statement adds.

Henry was not available to make the provincial update through live steam but she is preparing to deliver a more detailed update Friday with a focus on what it will take to lift public safety orders.