Dr. Bonnie Henry speaks from Victoria, presenting her daily COVID-19 briefing. (BC Government Flickr)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

COVID-19 BRIEFING

Just two new COVID-19 cases confirmed in B.C., lowest total since early March

May 19, 2020 | 3:18 PM

NANAIMO — B.C. has seen the lowest daily increase of COVID-19 cases since the first week of March.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on Tuesday, May 19 said just two new positive tests were recorded across the province in the last 24 hours.

None were on Vancouver Island, continuing a stretch of no new cases dating back to May 8.

The province currently has 325 active cases of coronavirus with 45 patients hospitalized, including one on Vancouver Island.

Three additional fatalities related to COVID-19 were announced during Tuesday’s briefing, increasing the number of people who have lost their lives to the virus to 146.

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Tuesday marked the first day of phase two in B.C.’s Restart Plan, implemented by the provincial government earlier in May.

Many personal service, retail and restaurant businesses were permitted to re-open under strict COVID-19 regulations, inspections and guidance from the province.

“A lot of consideration has gone into this and the guidance really balances the need to be practical, sensible and safe by allowing businesses to adapt the guidance to their own situation, employees and facilities,” Dr. Henry said.

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