Rate of COVID-19 transmission in B.C. slows

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — B.C. is seeing a decrease in COVID-19 numbers, despite three more deaths and 50 new cases over the past 48 hours, the provincial health officer said Monday.

Dr. Bonnie Henry added most new cases are linked to known outbreaks and the decrease is clear evidence that health and safety efforts are working.

“So I think you can see from these numbers, despite the community outbreaks that we’re seeing, it’s clear evidence that our sustained efforts to follow public health measures are working here in B.C.,” she said.

“Safe physical distancing and self-isolation requirements have slowed the rate of transmission and we’re now seeing a decrease in numbers.”

She added increased surveillance testing has helped find people in the community who are positive for the virus and most are linked to known outbreaks.

“Which is an important thing for us to understand, so that we know where transmission is happening in our community. We are getting close to … that time where we can start to open up.”

The fact only 11 of the 50 new cases were recorded between Sunday and Monday is a good start, Henry said.

“We need to be at that point where we have control of cases.”

Physical distancing is slowing the spread of #COVID19. "We're now seeing a decrease in numbers. Our increased surveillance testing has led us to find ppl who are pos. and the vast majority of them are linked to known outbreaks, which is an important thing for us to understand."

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) April 27, 2020

Of the 50 total new cases, seven are linked to the Superior Poultry Processors plant in Coquitam, while two more are attributed to care homes in Abbotsford.

Superior Poultry now has 25 cases, up from 18 on Saturday.

Superior is owned by the same company as United Poultry in Vancouver, which was closed last week after dozens of employees there initially tested positive for the virus.

Provincial officials have said employees were working at both the Coquitlam and Vancouver plants and may have done so while sick.

Will employers have to pay for sick leave for workers so they don't feel they have to work even if a little ill to make ends meet?@adriandix Not working sick is at the highest level of importance to be able to function and work until there's a vaccine#bcpoli #covid19 @news1130

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) April 27, 2020

No further positive cases were recorded at either the federal prison in Mission or the Kearl Lake oilsands camp in Alberta in the past two days. The total number of cases at the Mission Institution remains 118, including 106 inmates.

Cases related to Kearl Lake remain at 11.

However, Henry cautioned many workers in B.C. travel to the latter for work and reiterated the order for them to isolate for 14 days if they are feeling ill.

With the new coronavirus cases, the total in B.C. rose to 1,998, while 1,190 people have recovered, a rate of 60 per cent.

#BREAKING 50 new #COVID19 cases recorded in #BC over the weekend bringing total confirmed count up to 1998.
Death toll now up to 103 with 3 more lives lost and of 97 patients hospitalized, 36 in critical care.
Recovered count is 1190 —working out to 59.5%. #bcpoli @NEWS1130

— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) April 27, 2020

Henry added 97 people remain hospitalized with COVID-19 in B.C., including 36 in intensive care, both down a bit from the last report.

With the three new deaths, the total in B.C. increased to 103.

Henry said outbreaks remain at 21 long-term-care or assisted-living facilities.

The Fraser Health Authority said Monday a resident at Valhaven Home, a long-term care facility in Abbotsford, has been diagnosed with COVID-19, as has a staff member at MSA Manor, also in Abbotsford.

In total, outbreaks have been resolved at 12 such facilities, including the Langley Lodge.

Regarding schools, Henry said to expect some to reopen this session, but with restrictions.

Schools – this year? when will we hear?
Expect some to come back this session – will be a hybrid and a mixture.
Will tell people when the plan is in place.#bcpoli #covid19 @news1130

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) April 27, 2020