VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — More B.C. families are going to be mourning their loved ones, after another deadly COVID-19 update from the province Tuesday.
The virus has claimed 16 lives over the past 24 hours, and there have been 656 new cases recorded, including three epi-linked cases.
408 of the new cases are in the Fraser Health region, which has been a COVID hot spot for weeks.
Province-wide, 457 people have died and there are a total of 33,894 cases in B.C. recorded since this pandemic began.
Here’s a break down of hospitalizations / ICU#bcpoli @NEWS1130 #covid19 pic.twitter.com/RsCvSnYV70
— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) December 2, 2020
Since Monday’s COVID-19 update, 20 more people have been hospitalized for a total of 336 people, and 76 people are in intensive care.
“Currently, 10,123 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 23,774 people who tested positive have recovered,” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said in a statement.
In the meantime, a new outbreak has been declared at the Harrison at Elim Village, a senior care center in Surrey.
One of the hardest-hit hospitals remains Burnaby General where 60 patients and 35 workers have tested positive for the virus after an outbreak was declared there Nov. 9.
Fraser Health CEO Dr. Victoria Lee confirms ten people have died since a fire earlier this month forced staff to quickly move infected people into areas where others could have been exposed.
“We are continuing to monitor the outbreak closely. Unfortunately, we did see some spread after the fire. But we’re seeing promising signs that things are slowing down in terms of transmission.”
The cause of the Nov. 15 fire is still under investigation.
Lee also addressed defiant religious leaders in Langley and Chilliwack who claim there’s no evidence of any transmissions at church services.
“It’s false that COVID transmission has not occurred in places of worship. In fact, we have seen COVID-19 clusters or cases in temples churches and prayer gatherings.”
Lee says the best way for ALL faith leaders in #BC to protect their members is to hold services virtually until public safety orders banning in-person religious gatherings are lifted.
That won’t happen before December 7th. #bcpoli @NEWS1130
— Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) December 1, 2020
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Outbreaks at Holy Family Hospital in Vancouver and Jackman Manor in Langley have been declared over.
Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix continue to ask British Columbians to double-down on efforts to help curb the spread of the virus.
“Let’s be resilient in face of this surge. United and together, let’s make an impact today through our own personal actions,” Henry and Dix said.
“Without exception, follow the provincial health officer’s orders in place. Remember that events, which refer to anything that gathers people together – whether on a one-time, regular or irregular basis – are not allowed for now. This includes religious, cultural or community events. Do not gather at home with anyone other than your household or core bubble.”
The province also took a moment to acknowledge World Aids Day.
“It is a time for all of us to pause, to think about the many people throughout our province, our nation and the world who have been impacted by COVID-19 and other global epidemics. It is also a time to think about what we can do to make a difference.”
