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. In the first reporting period, from June 30 to July 1, we had 15 new cases. In the last 24 hours, we have had a further nine new cases.

“This represents 24 new cases since we reported on Tuesday, for a total of 2,940 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 160 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 2,603 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the total COVID-19 cases, 17 individuals are hospitalized, two of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 989 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,553 in the Fraser Health region, 132 in the Island Health region, 201 in the Interior Health region and 65 in the Northern Health region.

“There have been three new COVID-19 related deaths, two in the Vancouver Coastal Health region and one in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 177 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. In total, four long-term care or assisted-living facilities and one acute care facility have active outbreaks.

“There have been no new community outbreaks and the outbreak at New World Technologies has been declared over. This means there are no active community outbreaks in B.C.

“A summer in Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan means all of us working together to keep our province safe. Whether you live in B.C., are a visitor from another province or are in Canada for essential travel, we all have to do our part to protect our communities, our Elders and our loved ones.

“Any traveller from outside B.C. needs to understand that we have established clear rules for safe social interactions, which include keeping our bubbles small, maintaining a safe distance from others and staying away from others if you are feeling ill.

“Like all British Columbians, whether a resident or not, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19, isolate yourself immediately and call 811 to arrange to be tested.

“We remind anyone coming to British Columbia from outside of Canada that all travellers are required to self-isolate for 14 days prior to interacting with others.

“There can be no half measures or exceptions when it comes to COVID-19. It requires ongoing monitoring, modifying our activities as needed and actively managing any new cases that emerge.

“Earlier this week, we announced the easing of restrictions for visitors to long-term care homes and seniors’ assisted-living residences.

“We know that after many weeks apart, seniors and Elders are eager to see their families. Like every aspect of the restart plan, we must move slowly and cautiously to ensure we move forward safely.

“Long-term care homes are actively working to put safety measures in place to allow for safe visits. We ask everyone to please be patient as they ensure all precautions and resources are ready.

“Once we see the plans and processes are working, we can further increase and expand activities in long-term care homes and assisted-living facilities.

“With each day we keep our curve flat, we can take confidence in knowing the people we care about the most are staying safe. Whether from near or far, what we do makes a difference. Let’s show kindness and respect to others by remaining 100% committed to our efforts.”

Learn More:

For the latest modelling information presented on June 24, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/modelling-projections

For more information about BC’s Restart Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/restartbc

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

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

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

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: https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

A backgrounder follows.