Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia:
"Today, we are providing case updates for two 24-hour reporting periods: May 2 to May 3, and May 3 through to midday today.
"In the first reporting period through May 3, we had 34 new cases, for a total of 2,205 cases in British Columbia.
"In the last 24 hours, we have had a further 19 new cases, for a total of 2,224 cases in British Columbia.
"This represents 53 new cases since we reported on Saturday.
"Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19: 845 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,027 are in the Fraser Health region, 124 are in the Vancouver Island Health region, 177 are in the Interior Health region and 51 are in the Northern Health region.
"We are saddened to report three new COVID-19 related deaths, two in the Fraser Health region and one in Vancouver Coastal Health region, for a total of 117 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones.
"In the last day, there have been no new long-term care or assisted-living facility outbreaks. In total, 19 facilities and three acute-care units have active outbreaks, with outbreaks now declared over at 14 care facilities.
"Public health teams are also providing support to a number of community outbreaks, actively contact tracing those who may be directly affected and their close contacts.
"There are seven confirmed positive cases at Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry, 54 at Superior Poultry in Coquitlam and 35 employees confirmed positive at United Poultry in Vancouver.
"There are also 134 inmates and staff confirmed positive at the Mission Institution federal correctional centre, as well as 15 positive cases of COVID-19 connected to the Kearl Lake plant in Alberta.
"To date, 1,417 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.
"Of the total COVID-19 cases, 77 individuals are hospitalized, and 20 of those are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.
"As we look at the epidemiology of COVID-19 over the past four months, we can see how the virus has affected people in British Columbia. What we know is that every region of the province has been impacted. We also know that severe illness is most prevalent with our seniors and Elders, men over 50 and those with chronic underlying health conditions.
"Our health system transformed in a matter of weeks to prepare and respond to COVID-19 and remains ready for all critical care patients, including those with COVID-19. At the same time, we have increased our provincial critical care and portable ventilators to sustain an enhanced level of readiness.
"Our dynamic modelling shows us that we have been able to put the brakes on COVID-19, but we haven't stopped the car. It also highlights that we must maintain safe physical distancing to keep our curve flat.
"The toll of COVID-19 has been felt by all of us. This week, as Canadian Mental Health Week, is a reminder that we must also continue be vigilant about our mental health.
"Many are concerned that we are not moving quickly enough to reopen our province, and just as many are fearful that moving too quickly will set us back to untenable levels. It is a careful balance and one that we are working hard to achieve. And, it will require every one of us to fully participate to make our 'new normal' a success.
"Until we have a vaccine available for everybody, COVID-19 is going to be in B.C. This means our 'new normal' must continue to protect our health and well-being, protect our health-care system, create opportunities for increased social interaction and allow for the rebuilding of our economy with the cautious easing of restrictions.
"Our 'new normal' is based on principles that apply to every person and every situation. These principles are the foundation of how we need to move forward with our B.C. plan and will remain in place in the weeks and months ahead.