B.C. COVID-19 numbers decline, but top doc warns she’s ‘concerned’
Posted May 31, 2021 4:01 pm.
Last Updated May 31, 2021 4:03 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – As the weather warms up, the cases of COVID-19 are continuing to go down in B.C. Still, the province’s top doctor says she is concerned.
The province recorded 258 new infections on Saturday, 238 on Sunday, and 212 on Monday, for a weekend total of 708.
Eleven more people have died, for a total of 1,703 since the pandemic began.
Hospitalizations are also decreasing, with 249 on Monday compared to 292 on Friday. There are 78 COVID-19 patients in the ICU, down only one from Friday.
"We are in the middle of step 1," Dr Henry says & new cases &some outbreaks has her concerned also saying that as we move forward we mourn the losses to this virus. And again says to mourn and learn about the lives lost & trauma from residential schools#bcpoli @news1130 #covid19
— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 31, 2021
Still, B.C.’s provincial health officer said she had “mixed emotions” on Monday, as there are now six active outbreaks, five of which are in long-term care and one in acute care.
“We are in the middle of part one [of B.C.’s re-opening plan]. One part of me, of course, is pleased that we are making progress,” Dr. Bonnie Henry said, noting the dramatic decline in cases and the steady pace of immunization.
“But we need to continue to closely watch, and the outbreaks and new cases make me concerned,” she said.
Of the 11 who died this past weekend
1 in 40s, 2 in 60s, 6 in 70s, 2 in 80s
Another VITT case related to Astrazeneca in BC (3rd to date)- man in 30s in @VanIslandHealth #bcpoli @news1130 #covid19— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 31, 2021
There have been 3,250,116 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in B.C., 179,954 of which are second doses.
“This equates to 69.7 per cent of all adults 18-plus, and 66.1 per cent of those 12-plus,” Henry said.
She again urged everyone to ensure they are registered to receive their doses.
“Registering with the ‘Get Vaccinated’ immunization system is the fastest way to get both your first or your second dose, and particularly for anyone who was immunized prior to April 15. Please go on the system and register,” she said.
According to B.C.’s restart plan, June 15 is the earliest restrictions could start to ease. Each of the four phases of the plan are dependant on the number of people who have been vaccinated, as well as the number of new cases and hospitalizations.
