B.C. health officials report 29 new cases

Health officials reported 29 more COVID -19 cases on Friday and the death of one person.

The figures for Thursday noon to Friday noon bring the confirmed cases of COVID -19 in B.C. to 2,315, and the total deaths to 127.

The new death was of a person in the Fraser Health region, said provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix.

To date, 1,579 people have recovered from COVID-19, and 73 people remain in hospital, of whom 20 are in intensive care. The rest are recovering at home in self-isolation.

There have been no new outbreaks in long-term care or assisted-living facilities, health officials said, and there have been no new cases confirmed at Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry, United Poultry in Vancouver or at the Mission Institution federal prison — three facilities experiencing outbreaks.

Despite the tapering off in new cases, in a week that included an announcement of provincial plans to reopen closed businesses starting May 19, Dix and Henry urged a continued commitment to physical distancing.

They said we must continue with what we have been doing because it is working. They noted we have flattened our curve and must keep it there. Until we move into phase 2, the orders, restrictions and guidance remain in place, they said.

Health officials also advised residents to steer clear of their mothers this weekend unless your mother is in your immediate household.

They urged celebrating Mother’s Day at a safe distance and giving your mother the gift of staying safe and healthy.