Today, the Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry confirmed 35 new cases of COVID-19, and three additional deaths.

The new cases bring the provincial total to 1,445, with 58 deaths. Henry said that 134 people are in hospital, including 63 in ICU or critical care.

Photo credit: BC Government

On a positive note, 905 people have recovered from confirmed cases of the virus.

Henry also had no new outbreaks at long term care centres to report today. So far, there have been 246 cases in long term care, which includes both residents and staff.

Again, Henry said that COVID-19 is not something to "take lightly," as even though the majority of deaths have been among the elderly, a large number of younger people are suffering from severe cases of illness.

She also addressed the ongoing outbreak response at the Mission Correctional facility, saying that they are working to get them all the resources they need.

The outbreak there has affected 26 people so far. Five people were hospitalized yesterday.

Henry also addressed concerns about an increase of travel over the long weekend to smaller remote communities. 

Henry said she did speak with BC Ferries to get a sense of the reports. 

BC Ferries reported that they have seen only a fraction of the traffic they usually see during this long weekend, and sailings and capacity have been reduced. 

“If you don’t have a reason to go, don’t go,” said Henry, adding that they see that most people are listening to messaging and are staying home.

Henry reminded British Columbians to “be kind, be calm and be safe.”