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There have now been 200 deaths from COVID-19 in BC, after two more people passed away over the last 24 hours.
BC COVID-19 death count hits 200
By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published 3:38 PDT, Thu August 20, 2020
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Two people in BC died today from complications related to COVID-19, bringing the province’s total to 200. Both had been in longterm care in the Fraser Health region.
“The two new deaths in longterm care reflect the vulnerability of this population to severe disease from COVID-19,” said deputy provincial health officer Dr. Réka Gustafson.
Gustafson and Health Minister Adrian Dix also announced 80 new cases of the virus provincewide for a total of 4,825. This number reached 4,000 just 10 days ago and the daily total has remained high ever since.
There are 780 active cases, down from 798 yesterday. Eleven people are hospitalized, four of whom are in critical care or ICU. There are 2,574 people under active public health monitoring as a result of being in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
There were no new healthcare outbreaks announced, but nine outbreaks remain active. There was one new community outbreak announced at Loblaws in the Fraser Health authority. The outbreak on Haida Gwaii is still being monitored, although everyone in the cluster of infections is considered to be fully recovered. Community exposure alerts are still being reported across the province.
Gustafson said although there are new infections every day, the number is still relatively stable. Low hospitalizations is also a good sign. While most new cases are still in young people, there has been a small increase in the 40-60 age group which is being monitored now.
She added the main risk factor continues to be indoor gatherings with crowding and, in some cases, alcohol. These are different from other indoor situations such as an office or classroom, where people are more likely to know who else is in the room and can take precautions more easily.
Keep groups small, only see people you know, and stay home when sick, said Gustafson.
“It’s a long time to stay 100 per cent all in,” added Dix.
But, he said, it’s important to stay active in the fight against COVID-19. He recommended enjoying the outdoors this weekend with bubble contacts, and finding ways to connect with others virtually or from a safe distance.
For a listing of community exposure events, click here.
For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/ or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.
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