Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported two new deaths for a total of 50 due to COVID-19 during her daily update on Thursday, April 9. (B.C. Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FLATTENING THE CURVE

COVID-19 cases rises slightly on Vancouver Island, while number of deaths in B.C. hits 50

Apr 9, 2020 | 3:33 PM

NANAIMO — One new case of COVID-19 was confirmed on Vancouver Island for a total of 82 as the rate of the virus’s growth province-wide continues to slow.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported 34 new cases, while 858 have fully recovered.

Two new COVID-19 deaths were recorded for a total of 50.

While there are 1,370 confirmed COVID-19 cases in B.C., 462 of the cases are considered active.

Current COVID-19 hospitalizations province-wide dropped slightly to 132, while the number of intensive care patients jumped by seven to 68.

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Twelve people with COVID-19 on Vancouver Island are in hospital.

Dr. Henry said one fewer long-term care facility is impacted by the virus for a total of 20, noting 235 confirmed COVID-19 cases are associated with long-term care and assisted living facilities.

Dr. Henry acknowledged being socially isolated is difficult for many people, but said it’s important to adhere to social distancing directives.

“It’s a weekend to stay at home and appreciate what we have, now is not the time for travel, unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Dr. Henry said.

Health minister Adrian Dix spoke in length about how important it is to stick close to home this long weekend. He said

“It’s absolutely the time now to dig in, to be 100 per cent all in, to do everything we can to bend the curve without breaking the rules.”

52,412 people in the province have been tested for COVID-19.

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