Six COVID-19 deaths in B.C. over weekend, including first in Northern Health region

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — B.C. reported six COVID-19 deaths over weekend, including the first in the Northern Health Authority.

Five of the deaths happened in long-term care, including four in the Fraser Health region. The other was in Vancouver Coastal.

The death in the north was a woman in her 70s who died in hospital after being exposed in the community while attending an event, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said.

“So COVID-19 has not left us, and it has required all of us to adjust our daily activities to show to ensure that we’re doing, what we need to do to keep those we are closest to us and our community safe. We must now all hold steady with our layers of protection and get ready for what we know, lies ahead,” she said.

The province also reported 318 new cases over the past three days. Of the new cases, B.C. recorded 137 from Friday to Saturday, then 110 during the next 24-hour period, and 61 for the one ending Monday. The 137 cases are the second highest single-day total in B.C.

Cases now total 7,279 in B.C. since the start of the pandemic, while deaths are at 219.

Of 1,594 active cases in B.C., 58 people are in hospital, including 16 in intensive care.

Henry reported no new outbreaks, but said four have been declared over are three care homes — at Holy Family Hospital, MSA Manor, Czorny Alzheimer Centre, and George Derby Centre.

Outbreaks remain active at 13 long-term care homes, but Henry doesn’t foresee limiting visits.

“The difficulty we have with long-term care is that it’s not just our person who’s in there, it’s everybody who’s at risk,” she added. “But, no, we don’t see us taking a step backward, and we are putting in measures to try and increase the time, to make sure that there are supports in every care home to provide more visits to more people in a safe way.”

The outbreak at the Okanagan Correctional Facility has been declared over.

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