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:

“We are announcing 40 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 271 cases in British Columbia.

“It is with sadness that we announce that another patient who tested positive for COVID-19, a resident from the Lynn Valley Care Centre, has passed away. We offer our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones and the staff who cared for them.

“Of the total cases, 152 are in Vancouver Coastal Health, 81 are in Fraser Health, 22 are in Island Health, 12 are in Interior Health and four are in Northern Heath.

“Additionally, of the total COVID-19 cases, 17 individuals are currently hospitalized, nine are in intensive care and the remaining patients are at home in isolation.

“We know that social distancing is an important line of defence for all us – staying a fingertip-to-fingertip distance away from each other, but no touching. Equally important is maintaining our connections with friends, family and colleagues while many of us remain at home.

“We are encouraged by the many innovative ways that people across B.C. are staying connected, while staying apart:

“Virtual coffee dates on your phone or laptop, takeout windows at restaurants, spending time outside with our families, or even dropping off homemade baking or books for those self-isolating. British Columbians are taking the challenge to heart.

“As individuals, there are many things we can do to stay connected. Getting outside in our many parks, walking your pet, or going for a bike ride are all safe. And when inside, take advantage of the many free online resources at your disposal, from virtual learning to exercise classes to reading an ebook from your local library.

“If you are picking up groceries, maintain space when lining up to pay. If you need to take a taxi, sit in the back seat and wipe down the payment pad with alcohol-based wipes before and after paying.

“New resources are being made available every day to support everyone in our province as we continue to work to stop the transmission of COVID-19. And if you are healthy and able to do so, please consider donating blood.”

Learn More:

To view all the provincial health officer's orders, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics

To take the online self-assessment tool, visit: http://covid-19.bccdc.ca/

For non-health information on COVID-19, call 1 888 COVID-19 or visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

For more information on COVID-19, latest updates on testing strategy, self-isolation, and personal and community protection, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit its website: http://www.bccdc.ca/

For the COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and planning materials, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/pandemic-influenza

To make an appointment to donate blood, download the GiveBlood app, call 1 888 2-DONATE (1 888 236-6283) or book online: https://blood.ca

For the latest audio clips of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit: https://soundcloud.com/bcgov