What you need to know about COVID-19 in B.C. for June 23, 2020
THE LATEST:
13 more people have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
B.C. has had 2,835 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date.
170 people have died in B.C.
16 people are in hospital, including seven in intensive care.
2,491 people have recovered from their illness.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says there are 13 new cases of COVID-19 in the province as of Tuesday, bringing the total number to 2,835. As well, there has been one additional death.
Henry also revealed that the latest round of epidemiological modelling shows contacts in B.C. are now at 65 per cent of normal, which is near the threshold for a potential rebound in new cases.
Previously, the province said it could go up to 60 per cent of normal contact rates while keeping a lid on the number of new cases.
B.C. is currently maintaining a fine balance when it comes to increasing the number of connections without seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people becoming infected, says Henry.
People with loved ones living in long-term care homes in B.C. could be allowed to visit at some point in the next few weeks.
Henry has said the province must proceed with caution as it continues the gradual process of reopening.
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Important reminders:
Health officials widely agree the most important thing you can do to prevent coronavirus and other illnesses is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
The World Health Organization said more than 80 per cent of COVID-19 infections are estimated to be mild.
What's happening elsewhere in Canada
As of 8:40 a.m. PT on Tuesday, Canada had 101,902 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases, with 64,622 of the cases listed as resolved or recovered. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial data, regional information and CBC's reporting stood at 8,488.
For a look at what's happening across the country and the world, check the CBC interactive case tracker.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Common symptoms include:
Fever.
Cough.
Tiredness.
But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia.
What should I do if I feel sick?
Stay home. Isolate yourself and call your local public health authority or 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested.
Find information about COVID-19 from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
Non-medical information about COVID-19 is available in B.C. from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. PT, seven days a week at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319).
What can I do to protect myself?
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Keep them clean.
Keep at least two metres away from people who are sick.
When outside the home, keep two metres away from other people.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
More detailed information on the outbreak is available on the federal government's website.
If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us at impact@cbc.ca
