Two new deaths, 10 cases but no additional COVID infections reported for residents of long term care in B.C.

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — B.C.’s top doctor says she is happy to report no additional residents of long-term care homes have tested positive for COVID-19.

While there are no new outbreaks in the province’s healthcare facilities, B.C. continues to have outbreaks in 14 long term care homes and two acute care facilities.

Henry announced another two deaths and 10 new cases related to COVID-19.

She says these two deaths occurred at a long term care home in the Fraser Health region.

“Again it speaks to the challenges and the devastation that this virus can cause when it gets into our long term care homes, and it is one of the key reasons why we continue to have the control measures that we have in place both in the community, to prevent people who are working facilities, but also in the facilities themselves,” Henry said.

While it was reported Friday, Henry addressed an ongoing community outbreak at an Abbotsford frozen fruit processing plant where five workers tested positive.

“Fraser Health is working closely with the plant to make sure that all of the appropriate precautions are in place, and this one was caught relatively early, and it looks like the plant was not ordered to close but is closed over the weekend to make sure that all of the procedures are in place, and they’ll be continuing the investigation,” she said.

Over 2,050 people in B.C. have recovered from the virus, raising the recovery rate to about 82 per cent.

This week the province entered the second phase of the restart plan to jump-start the economy.

Henry says while B.C. continues to find new outbreaks, it gives British Columbians a chance to reflect on how gatherings can increase the risk of transmission.

“Our public health surveillance needs to continue and will continue to quickly identify new cases, and to find those they’ve been in contact with and prevent transmission to others,” she said.

“This is our transition period, and we need to watch carefully and do it carefully.”

Henry once again reminded people the restrictions are temporary.

“This is not going to be forever, but right now and as we’re in this transition period and we’re watching very carefully as businesses are opening, as we’re having more context, we need to continue to do that in small numbers.”