Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia.

Today, we are providing case updates for two 24-hour reporting periods: May 16 to May 17, and May 17 to midday today.

In the first reporting period through May 17, we had eight new cases. In the last 24 hours, we have had a further eight new cases.

This represents 16 new cases since we reported on Saturday, for a total of 2,444 cases in British Columbia.

There are 335 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 1,966 people who tested positive have recovered.

Of the total COVID-19 cases, 47 individuals are hospitalized, 12 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 882 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,195 in the Fraser Health region, 126 in the Island Health region, 181 in the Interior Health region and 60 in the Northern Health region.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Capt. Jennifer Casey, of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Our thoughts are also with Capt. Richard MacDougall. We wish him a swift recovery from his injuries.

Canada’s Snowbirds bring Canadians together, and the loss that felt by all us is great. We thank the Snowbirds and the Canadian Armed Forces for all that you do, and we stand beside you in sorrow and in strength.

In addition to this tragic loss, we are saddened to report two new COVID-19 related deaths, one in the Vancouver Coastal Health region and one in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 143 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to the family, friends and caregivers of these individuals, as well as to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There have been no new health-care outbreaks and the outbreak at the Dufferin Care Centre has now been declared over. In total, 14 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and five acute-care units have active cases.

Public health teams are also continuing to provide support for community outbreaks at the Oppenheimer Group, those in the poultry sector, at the Mission Institution and with those connected to the Kearl Lake plant in Alberta.

The physical, financial and emotional strain of the COVID-19 pandemic is difficult for everyone. The transition into Phase 2 brings both anticipation and further apprehension as our businesses and schools look to re-open.

We are all learning the new ways of safe social interaction – doing things that we have never had to do before – and we ask you to show patience with yourself and with those around you as we enter this new phase.

The stress of this can be challenging and the impact harmful. For people exeriencing family or intimate-partner violence, support is available 24/7 through VictimLinkBC and 1 800 563-0808.

For youth who may be struggling, the Kids Help Phone is available by phone, text and online at 1-800-668-6868 or Kidshelpphone.ca to get the help you may need.

Every day, we can and must do our part to hold the line on COVID-19. Every day, pause and think about how you’re going to keep yourself and those around you safe.

If you are using transit, or going into a smaller store, consider using a cloth face mask to protect others. Simple things can make a big difference.

Only you know your own risks and the precautions you need to take. Our well-being and our future is in our hands, so let’s continue to wash them.

Lead image: Canada’s Snowbirds performing at the 2011 Cranbrook Air Show. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW file photo

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