Wednesday August 19, 2020 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary Brooke, B.Sc., editor | Island Social Trends
Today’s COVID-19 stats from the BC Centre for Disease Control –on Wednesday August 19 — show another 68 new test-postitive cases for a total 4,745 in BC.
This is a high rate of daily cases, similar to what we’ve been seeing in the past week and more importantly at the level of cases reported in the initial phases of the pandemic in March and April.
Of the total cases in BC, 798 are active, with 10 people in hospital and four of those in more critical condition in ICU.
Recovered cases tally at 3,749 across BC.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 1,488 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 2,493 in the Fraser Health region, 158 in the Island Health region, 411 in the Interior Health region, 120 in the Northern Health region and 75 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.
Age profile:
Today there were cases reported in all ages up to 79 years. Three in children (one under age 10, and two age 10-19). The largest case numbers were in young adults (21 in ages 20-29 and 17 in ages 30-39). Adults age 40-49 years saw five cases, 50-59 years three cases, and 60-69 years two cases. Three cases for seniors ages 70-79, but none for anyone older.
As of yesterday, BC CDC is now including an “unknown” category for age. Yesterday there were 40 cases of unknown age, and today another 14. Not knowing the ages of a significant number of cases could throw off the analysis of which age groups are being impacted by COVID-19 infection.
Active monitoring of 2,452 people:
Now there is active public health monitoring of 2,452 people who must stay in self-isolation for 14 days now during this last bit of summer. They may have been exposed directly (or potentially) to COVID, or exposed to someone else who has been exposed or potentially exposed to COVID.
No new deaths:
There are no new deaths in BC due to COVID today (the latest two deaths were reported on August 17). Total COVID deaths in BC stand at 198.
Vancouver Island profile:
There are two new cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island today (both in the 30-39 age group), bringing the total case tally to 158.
One child under 10 has COVID (announced August 17) and nine youth ages 10 to 19 are among the Vancouver Island cases (one of those new on August 18).
Now 145 people have recovered from COVID on Vancouver Island. No one is in hospital in Island Health.
There have been five deaths from COVID-19 on Vancouver Island since the beginning of the pandemic.
Staying safe:
“The best thing we can do is to protect ourselves and those we care about most by assessing the risks before we spend time with others and always using our layers of protection,” says Health Minister Adrian Dix.
“Right now, anyone with symptoms can be tested, but it is important to remember the test is recommended only if you have symptoms,” it was stated in today’s joint released from Minister Dix and Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr Reka Gustafson.
“If you do develop symptoms, no matter how mild, your first step is to distance yourself from others and contact 811 or your health-care provider to arrange for an assessment.”
“If public health has advised you to self-isolate because you have been exposed to COVID-19, please follow their advice. Even if you have no symptoms, a negative test does not mean you can shorten the period of self-isolation.”
“While those who are younger are less likely to face severe illness, it is easy to inadvertently pass the virus on to someone who may be only a few years older, but much more vulnerable.”
“COVID-19 has meant doing things we have never done before. But let’s not forget this is not forever, only for now. Let’s continue to stay strong and push our curve down to where it belongs.”
State of Emergency & increased enforcement:
BC is in a State of Emergency to September 1, 2020 (as announced August 18).
Stricter enforcement of public health orders is expected to be announced later this week by Minister of Public Safety and Attorney General Mike Farnworth.
===== Links as provided by BC Health:
If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing
For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com
For a listing of the community exposure events, go to:
BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc.): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures
For B.C.’s surgical renewal plan and the first report on its progress from July 21, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0228-001337
For more information about BC’s Restart Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/restartbc
For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.
For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.
For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC