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Double-digit COVID-19 deaths again in BC today

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 3:35 PST, Wed November 18, 2020

For the second straight day, BC is reporting double-digit deaths from COVID-19, with 10 more announced today.

Health officials also reported a record high 762 new cases, including three that are epidemiologically linked, for a total of 24,422 since the pandemic began. Of the new cases, 210 are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region (including Richmond), 481 in the Fraser Health Region, 20 in the Island Health Region, 38 in the Interior Health region and 13 in the Northern Health region.

The number of active cases continues to grow, with 6,861 reported today. Hospitalizations have surpassed 200, with 209 people across the province in hospital with COVID-19, 58 of whom are in intensive care.

One positive statistic among the worrying numbers is that the number of people being monitored by public health has decreased by over 1,000 today to 9,871.

Three new healthcare facility outbreaks were announced and one was declared over, leaving 55 active outbreaks in the healthcare sector. There were no new community outbreaks announced and one was declared over.

Health authorities said the rising number of new cases of COVID-19 in BC “is putting a strain on our healthcare system, our workplaces and us all.”

Earlier this afternoon, Premier John Horgan connected with faith leaders from around the province to encourage people to celebrate upcoming religious and cultural celebrations virtually. 

"The last few months have challenged our province in ways we never would have expected," said Horgan. "Whether it's Gurpurab, Chanukah, Christmas or New Year's Day, celebrating will have to look different this year. But during this difficult time, people in diverse communities all over BC have found new ways to stay connected while staying apart.

"The actions that Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains in BC took to avoid in-person gatherings for Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas helped save lives and protect the most vulnerable. There will be a time when we can all come together again like we did before. Until then, thank you to everyone for doing their part. Together, we're showing that we're stronger when we come together in common purpose."

For a list 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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