Dr. Bonnie Henry presented her daily update for Friday, April 10 via press release, confirming two additional cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island. (BC Government Flickr)

By Ashley Legassic

SLIGHT RISE

Two additional cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island, Easter travel discouraged

Apr 10, 2020 | 3:55 PM

VICTORIA – There have been two new cases of COVID-19 reported in the Island Health region in the past 24 hours.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, along with health minister Adrian Dix gave the Friday, April 10 update via written statement

The statement totalled Vancouver Island COVID-19 confirmed positive tests at 84, with 1,410 across B.C.

Dr. Henry also said five additional deaths had occured in the last 24 hours related to the virus, bringing the provincial death toll to 55.

All deaths have occurred in the Lower Mainland.

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So far, 879 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in B.C. have fully recovered.

“Of the total COVID-19 cases, 128 individuals are hospitalized and 65 of those are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation,” the statement said.

Health officials are urging people to stay home unless absolutely necessary.

“This is not the time to travel, unless absolutely necessary. Stay at home and be creative with how you connect and celebrate with family and friends. Find the virtue in virtual and telephone connections. Find togetherness without gathering,” the statement read.

Officials said in the event of a surge in COVID-19 cases, 271 beds are set up at the Vancouver Convention Health Centre and 80 new beds at Royal Columbian Hospital as alternate care sites and are ready to launch if needed.

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