(Image Credit: Province of British Columbia)
COVID-19

Three more virus-related deaths reported in B.C, along with 21 new COVID-19 cases

May 20, 2020 | 3:25 PM

VICTORIA — The province is reporting 21 new cases of COVID-19 today (May 20), for a total of 2,467 cases throughout B.C.

B.C Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry released a joint statement today, noting that three additional COVID-19 related deaths have occurred.

Currently, there are 317 active cases in the province, and 2,001 of the positive cases have now recovered.

The case count within Interior Health grew by one as of Wednesday, with 182 COVID-19 cases identified.

Of the total COVID-19 cases, 43 people have been hospitalized, while 10 are being treated in intensive care.

Minister Dix notes that the remainder of COVID-19 positive individuals are recovering in isolation at home.

“There has been one new health-care outbreak at The Cedars in Mission assisted-living facility. Both outbreaks at Ridge Meadows Hospital have now been declared over,” states the release, “In total, 15 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and three acute-care units have active outbreaks.”

Dr. Henry and Minister Dix also addressed the use of non-medical masks after the federal government recommended their usage for public outings today.

“When it is difficult to keep a safe physical distance for an extended period of time – for example, when you are on transit – this is a good way for you to protect those around you.” Health officials stated, going on to say, “We have to remember that face coverings keep our droplets in and don’t prevent transmission from others. The best ways for us to stay safe is to wash our hands, maintain a safe physical distance from others and keep our ‘rules’ for social interactions top of mind.”

For information from the B.C Centre for Disease Control, click here.