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COVID-19 isolations increase, hospitalizations decrease

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 4:12 PDT, Fri October 30, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

More than 6,000 people are now being monitored as close contacts of a person with COVID-19 in BC.

The new milestone is an increase of almost 300 people from yesterday, and the number of active cases also continues to rise, with 2,390 reported today. There were also 272 new cases reported, including five that are epidemiologically linked, for a total of 14,381.

The majority of the new cases are in the Fraser Health region, which has experienced high growth of cases in recent weeks. The Vancouver Coastal Health region, which includes Richmond as well as Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, and other communities in coastal BC.

But a piece of good news comes amid the rising statistics: more people have left the hospital, with 78 still admitted today and 25 of them in critical care. Sadly, health authorities confirmed one new death related to the virus for a total of 263 in BC.

There were three new health-care facility outbreaks and several existing outbreaks were declared over. There remain 26 active outbreaks in the healthcare sector, 24 in longterm care or assisted living and two in acute care. There was also one new community outbreak at Suncor Firebag Oil Sands. There continue to be exposure events around the province.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said yesterday that, despite the rising number of new daily cases, she intends to continue providing briefings twice a week at this time. Amid new lockdown conditions in other parts of Canada, Henry said BC’s recovery plan was intended to move forward only, so further restrictions—including the closure of businesses and the cancelling of elective surgeries—would likely not be imposed here.

“As we all enjoy Halloween tomorrow, make it about the treats and not the tricks,” said health authorities in a statement. “Respect homes that are choosing not to participate this year and give everyone the space to stay safe, both indoors and outdoors.

“There are many ways to make fun memories this fall. This weekend is a great opportunity to be outside, enjoying the fall foliage and Halloween decorations. Guidelines on how to celebrate safely are available on the BCCDC website.”

Health authorities added that now is not the time for parties or large gatherings in our homes. The provincial health officer limiting the number of people who can visit a private home is in effect, and surveillance will be increased this weekend.

For a listing of the 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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