Officers test positive after breaking up party

Three Vancouver police officers have tested positive for COVID -19 after contracting the virus while breaking up a party, according to the police union president.

Ralph Kaisers, who is in charge of both the Vancouver Police Union and the B.C. Police Association, said in a tweet that two VPD patrol teams responded to a recent “out of control” party with more than 100 guests. He said three of the officers have since tested positive for COVID-19 while the other attending officers have been put in self-quarantine.

B.C. health officials have blamed house parties for a recent jump in provincial COVID-19 cases.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’S provincial health officer, said around 45 of the 146 positive tests reported over the B.C. Day long weekend were directly associated with house parties that took place in the Vancouver Coastal Health region.

The parties are being held despite restrictions in place under Henry’s public health emergency declaration that includes a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people.

On Friday, Henry announced 53 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in B.C. — the highest single-day tally since May 4 — to raise the provincial total to 3,934 cases. In a joint statement, Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix asked British Columbians to remain vigilant as the case numbers continue to rise.

“We have been leaders in how to protect our communities and how to restart our economy. Let’s continue to be the place that leads with kindness and compassion, that works together and keeps COVID -19 low and slow,” the statement said. “This weekend, let’s continue to hold the line and remember that we can keep our curve flat. We can continue to do that by staying committed to each other.”

Despite the increase in cases, B.C.’S death toll from the disease remains at 195, as no additional deaths were reported on Friday.

B.C. has not recorded a COVID -19 related death since July 31.

Eleven people are currently hospitalized with the respiratory illness, including four in intensive care. A senior living facility in Burnaby is under lockdown after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.