In yesterday's (May 4) COVID-19 update, B.C. confirmed 53 new cases, bringing the total to 2,224. Of these, 1,417 have recovered. 

Confirmed cases by region:

  • Vancouver Coastal Health: 845
  • Fraser Health: 1,027
  • Island Health: 124
  • Interior Health: 177
  • Northern Health: 51

There are 77 hospitalized cases with 20 in intensive care.

There have been three new deaths, two in the Fraser Health region and one in Vancouver Coastal Health region, for a total of 117.

In total, 19 facilities and three acute-care units have active outbreaks. There are 19 long-term care and assisted-living homes currently affected.

In the update, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer said:

“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."

B.C. is trying to keep a careful balance as they look towards relaunch.

“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."

They provide some principles for the "new normal" including staying informed, being prepared and following public health advice, practicing good hygiene, staying at home and away from others if you are feeling ill, maintaining physical distancing outside the household, making necessary contacts safer with appropriate controls, increasing cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, considering the use of non-medical masks in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained, and continuing to reduce personal non-essential travel.

“It is in our hands, as long as we do not forget to wash them, to make this summer the B.C. summer of renewal.”

Read the full update here, and watch it here: