Dr. Bonnie Henry says the number of recovered COVID-19 cases rose to 48 per cent at this critical time. (Government of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

continuing crisis

48 per cent of COVID-19 cases in B.C. fully recover

Mar 30, 2020 | 1:51 PM

NANAIMO — The number of people recovering from COVID-19 continues to rise during the ongoing crisis.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Monday 48 per cent of those who contracted the respiratory virus in B.C. have completely recovered.

“Four hundred and sixty seven people have been released from isolation, including over 70 were in hospital or ICU over the last few weeks,” Dr. Henry said. “I think that’s really a testament to the importance of people being in hospital at the right time, being ventilated at the right time if they need it and recovering from this.”

Over the last 48 hours, seven new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the Island Health region, bringing the total number of cases regionally to 67.

Slightly more than 100 people are hospitalized across the province from COVID-19.

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Dr. Henry announced two additional deaths due to the virus, both in the Vancouver Coastal region.

The B.C. coroner has also confirmed a community death due to COVID-19, though Dr. Henry didn’t reveal any further information.

“We’re at a critical juncture,” she told reporters. “We’re in our second incubation period, this is the critical time for us where we’ll see if a continuing trickle or dramatic increases.”

Dr. Henry said the province has not reached its peak in the fight against COVID-19 and preventative steps to slow the spread of the virus are incredibly important at this time.

Health Minister Adrian Dix addressed concerns of shortages in vital protective equipment for health care professionals.

“Global demand is resulting in a situation where our previous suppliers aren’t able to provide the bulk, large quantity shipments that will provide us with the comfort we need to say that we will no longer have to pursuit other supply options.”

Dix said the province has received large bulk orders over the past few weeks of a range of protective equipment despite supply challenges.

“Just today we received a shipment of one million surgical masks.”

Dix announced the suspension of paid parking as of Wednesday, April 1 at all province owned and operated sites in an effort to reduce COVID-19 transmission.

Dix said this change will eliminate the need for people to touch buttons and screens at payment kiosks.

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