VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — Four more COVID-19 deaths were recorded in B.C. on Friday, as well as six more cases at a Vancouver poultry plant that closed earlier this week.
The new cases at the United Poultry plant in Vancouver bring the total of employees infected there to 35, while a Coquitlam chicken processing plant owned by the same company was closed earlier Friday by the Fraser Health Authority.
Some employees worked at both facilities, according to the province.
“As of today, two employees have been confirmed positive at Superior Poultry in Coquitlam, and 35 employees have now been confirmed positive at United Poultry in Vancouver,” reads a release from the province.
RELATED: Coquitlam poultry plant closed after COVID-19 cases
Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a total of 29 total new cases of the virus Friday, including 10 additional ones connected to the Kearl Lake oilsands project in Alberta.
“We are saddened to report four new COVID-19 related deaths in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions, for a total of 98 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones,” says a statement from Dix and Henry.
#BREAKING Death toll from #COVID19 rises four more to 98 in #BC.
With 29 new cases, total count now 1853 and 1114 people listed as recovered –working out to 60%.
There are now 96 patients hospitalized including 41 in critical care. #bcpoli @NEWS1130— Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) April 24, 2020
No new outbreaks have been recorded in long-term care, assisted-living, or acute-care facilities in the past day. In total, 20 such facilities and three acute-care units have active outbreaks.
At the Mission Institution federal correctional centre, 78 inmates and staff have tested positive for the virus.
The total number of cases in B.C. is now 1,853. The recovery rate remains at 60 per cent.
The number of people hospitalized dropped to 96 from 103 the previous day, while, those in intensive care fell to 41 from 44.
“Maintaining a safe physical distance, washing hands frequently and staying home when ill continue to be the best things we can do to protect our communities and continue to bend the curve,” according to Henry and Dix.
“While our weekends are a time to unwind and relax, the exception is with these important health measures. As you get outside and safely spend time with loved ones, let’s continue to stay strong and show care and compassion to those around us, by ensuring we do not undo all of our hard work and sacrifice.”
