Just eight new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., but four more deaths

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — B.C. recorded its lowest single-day total of new COVID-19 cases since early March with eight on Tuesday, along with four more deaths.

The province had not seen fewer than 10 new cases in a day since March, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

As well, an outbreak at the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver, where the first case of the virus in B.C. occurred, is now over.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said outbreaks have now been declared over at 17 long-term-care and assisted-living facilities.

“The Lynn Valley Care Centre outbreak is now officially over, and all of the people who are affected in that facility have recovered now, which is really great news,” she added.

The #COVID19 outbreak at the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver is over, says @VCHhealthcare. The facility had 76 confirmed cases among residents and staff and a total of 20 resident deaths. The outbreak was declared at the care home on Mar. 6. Details on @NEWS1130.

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) May 5, 2020

The outbreak was first declared at the Lynn Valley Care Centre on March 6 and early on was linked to the majority of deaths from the virus in B.C. In total, it has had 76 confirmed cases and 20 resident deaths.

RELATED: B.C. announces COVID-19 outbreak at long-term care home 

Henry also said outbreaks are over at MSA Manor in Abbotsford and Hawthorne Park Orchard Manor in Kelowna. Fraser Health confirmed earlier in the day that an outbreak at Chartwell Langley Gardens is over, as well.

However, Henry said another outbreak has been declared at Evergreen House care home in Vancouver, as have those in acute care wards at Ridge Meadows and Richmond hospitals.

In all, 22 outbreaks remain active at long-term-care and assisted-living facilities in B.C.

The additional deaths bring the total in B.C. to 121, while cases are up to 2,232. The number of recoveries increased to 1,472, a rate of 66 per cent.

Henry said 78 people in B.C. remain in hospital with COVID-19, with 21 in intensive care.

Meanwhile, a poultry plant in Chilliwack has reopened.

Q:How has BC kept deaths so low here.
Henry it is challenging – goes back to timing to planning. Looking to international successes treating cases. Early outbreak at Lynn Valley and deaths there is the tragedy of our pandemic. #bcpoli #covid19 @news1130

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 5, 2020

Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry in Chilliwack was ordered to close by the health authority on May 2 after a worker tested positive for the virus.

“Fraser Health has rescinded the May 2 closure order, as the poultry plant has met the requirements of the order,” the authority says a Tuesday release.

“The plant has reopened and is now operating at a reduced capacity while putting measures in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Fraser Health will continue to work closely with Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry to maintain the health and safety of staff during this pandemic.”

Fraser Valley Specialty was one of four poultry plants in the Lower Mainland with an outbreak.

Henry said seven cases remain at Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry, while Superior Poultry Processors in Coquitlam has a new case, bringing the total of workers affected there to 55.

She said the number of cases at the federal prison in Mission remains at 134, including 121 inmates.

Henry encouraged B.C. residents to maintain health and safety measures to reduce transmission of the virus.

“We must continue to hold the line on COVID-19, even as we gradually ease some restrictions in the weeks ahead,” she said, “finding that fine balance that is unique for us here in B.C. for the experience that we are going through with our pandemic.”

Premier John Horgan will discuss loosening restrictions and reopening parts of the B.C. economy on Wednesday.

Re: lifting travel restrictions, Dr. Bonnie Henry says that will be addressed by Premier @jjhorgan tomorrow along with other concerns about physical distancing. Speaking directly to child care providers, she says “lots of innovative ways” to keep kids and their caregivers safe.

— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) May 5, 2020