B.C. records 155 new virus cases, one death

B.C. health officials say another British Columbian has died from COVID-19 as the province recorded 155 new cases of the respiratory disease on Friday.

In a joint statement, Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer, and Stephen Brown, the deputy minister of health, reported there are now 1,513 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and a further 3,713 people who are under public health monitoring after potentially being exposed to the virus.

There has been one new COVID-19 related death, for a total of 251 deaths in B.C. There have been six COVID-19-related deaths since Oct. 8.

There are 72 people being treated in hospital, including 26 in intensive care.

Henry also reported a new community outbreak at a Tim Hortons in Merritt. Interior Health says the owner of the restaurant has voluntarily closed the location and there is no risk to the public.

“The business has appropriate precautions in place to prevent COVID-19 transmission to the public and our investigation has determined that there was no COVID-19 exposure to the general public,” Interior Health said. “All confirmed cases are isolating and contact investigation is underway.”

Also Friday, an outbreak at the Kin Village assisted living facility in Tsawwassen was declared over. There are now 15 long-term care and assisted-living homes in B.C., as well as two at acute care facilities, still dealing with active outbreaks.

Since February, 11,189 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in B.C. and 9,387 have recovered.

Henry also dispensed some safety advice for voters for the Oct. 24 provincial election.

“If you are planning on voting in person, remember to give others the space to stay safe when going to vote, wash your hands before and after voting, and consider using a mask if distancing is a challenge,” Henry said.