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 9 to May 10, and May 10 to midday today.

“In the first reporting period through May 10, we had nine new cases. In the last 24 hours, we have had a further 14 new cases.

“This represents 23 new cases since we reported on Saturday, for a total of 2,353 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 504 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 1,719 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.

“Of the total COVID-19 cases, 66 individuals are hospitalized, 18 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 873 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,118 in the Fraser Health region, 125 in the Island Health region, 180 in the Interior Health region and 57 in the Northern Health region.

“We are saddened to report one new COVID-19 related death in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 130 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones.

“In the last two days, there have been no new long-term care or assisted-living facility outbreaks. In total, 15 facilities and five acute-care units have active cases.

“We are pleased to announce that the outbreak at Bylands Nursery is now declared over.

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

“To protect our province, we had to move quickly to put the necessary orders and restrictions in place. As we now look ahead to the restart of our province, we want to move slowly and thoughtfully.

“Next week will be the beginning of Phase 2. Being patient and calm must be top-of-mind right now. A steady stream will be far more effective than a rushing river that can cause damage along the way.

“Whether an individual or business, we encourage everyone to take the time you need to think about how you are going to adapt your activities to the new ways of operating in our province.

“We need to strike the right balance with the easing of restrictions to ensure the go-forward approach is safe, practical and sustainable for the long term.

“When you reopen your business, do what is right for your business to protect yourself, your employees and your customers.

“We urge everyone to show kindness to your favourite store or hair salon owner as they adapt their business. While it may take longer, a thoughtful and measured approach will keep you safer.

“We can safely restart our province with everyone working together, supporting each other with patience and care. It is in our hands to make that happen.”

Learn More:

For more information on BC's Restart Plan, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/bc-restart-plan

For B.C.'s surgical renewal plan, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/conducting-health-research-evaluation/reports-publications

For the slides presented at the May 4 media briefing, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/modelling-projections

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca 
Or:  http://www.bouncebackbc.ca/)www.anxietycanada.com

For guidance and information on self-isolation and self-monitoring, including how to isolate if you live with others, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/self-isolation

For the provincial health officer's orders, notices and guidance, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/phoguidance

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

To learn where, when and how people with symptoms can be tested, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

The COVID-19 self-assessment app, which includes details about where, when and how to be tested, can be downloaded here: https://bc.thrive.health/

To learn more about Fair PharmaCare, including coverage, how to request an income review and the monthly deductible payment option, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Register_for_Fair_PharmaCare.pdf

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

For a Chinese translation: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2020.05.11_New_ExistingCasesCOVID-19_CN.pdf

A backgrounder follows.